Largest Autism Advocacy Gathering in Southeast Asia: 47,500 Unite Nationwide for 2026 ASP Angels Walk with SM

Thousands of participants gather at SM Mall of Asia Arena for the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, demonstrating nationwide support for autism acceptance, accommodation and appreciation.

On April 26, 2026, the Autism Society Philippines (ASP), in partnership with SM Cares and its allies, brought together 47,500 advocates and supporters across the country for the ASP Angels Walk for Autism. This record-breaking turnout reflects the growing momentum behind the autism community and underscores the success of collaborative efforts by SM Cares and ASP to build an “Autism-OK Philippines.”

United voices and shared purpose take center stage at ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, as Mr. Hans Sy officially cues the walk for inclusion.

For nearly two decades, SM has hosted the ASP Angels Walk, transforming a vital advocacy into a meaningful celebration of inclusion, dignity, and hope. This year, the movement reached even further by holding simultaneous walks in SM malls and key locations nationwide, empowering communities to take part in shaping a more inclusive society.

A stage performance highlights talent and inclusion during the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026 program, reinforcing its message of advocacy, representation, and community engagement.

“ASP Angels Walk reminds us that inclusion is about creating space—and more importantly, making people feel they truly belong. At SM, we are honored to walk alongside the autism community, their families, and fellow advocates who have long shown us the power of courage and perseverance. Our commitment is to pursue transformative inclusivity: empowering communities until every person is seen, supported, and given the chance to thrive.” — Steven Tan, President, SM Supermalls

Barrier-Free Inclusion and Meaningful Action

This year’s theme — “Aumbitious. Aarangkada. Aangat.” — challenged advocates to turn discussions and aspirations into tangible, life-changing actions that advance true inclusivity.

In preparation for the event, the SM Mall of Asia Arena team completed specialized training under the Department of Tourism’s “Barrier-Free Tourism Kaya Natin” program. The session focused on improving accessibility and ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of guests on the autism spectrum while inside the venue.

The program also highlighted key partners and leaders making a lasting impact:

 

SM Book Nook receives the ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year Award, represented by Ms. Hanna Carinna Sy, recognizing its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for the autism community.

- SM Book Nook received the ASP Autism Works Partner of the Year award, recognizing how inclusive community spaces open doors to learning, connection, and belonging.

- Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was honored with the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award for Autism Inclusion and Welfare, celebrating leadership that creates meaningful, long-term support for the autism community.

A Growing, Collaborative Movement

Families and participants join the walk during the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, highlighting community support and inclusive participation.

Since it began, the ASP Angels Walk has evolved into a nationwide movement championing inclusion and bringing the vision of an Autism-OK Philippines closer to reality. It aligns with SM’s ongoing mission to be truly “Malls for All” — welcoming, accommodating, and appreciative of every customer, regardless of their needs or abilities.

SM employee volunteers gather in solidarity during the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, demonstrating corporate and community support for autism inclusion.

As a steadfast partner of ASP, SM Cares remains dedicated to creating spaces and programs that support the autism community all year round. Through sustained efforts in accessibility, engagement, and education, SM continues to stand with individuals on the spectrum and their families — working toward a future where no one is left behind.

Participants gather at SM City Olongapo Central and SM City Lipa as part of the simultaneous nationwide staging of ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026, underscoring broad community support for autism inclusion across regions.

Participants, including families and children, join the ASP Angels Walk for Autism 2026 at SM City Tuguegarao and SM City Davao, reflecting widespread community support and inclusive participation across regions.

The 2026 ASP Angels Walk was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with simultaneous events at SM City Bacolod, SM City Baguio, SM City Butuan, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Davao, SM City Iloilo, SM City Lipa, SM City Lucena, SM City Olongapo Central, SM City Tuguegarao, and Virac Town Plaza. Together, these gatherings united communities across the Philippines in support of a more inclusive and caring society.

Garmin’s ‘Women of Endurance’ Campaign: Turning Everyday Moments Into Testaments of Strength

From Art to Data: A Fresh Look at the Realities of Motherhood 

This Mother’s Day 2026, Garmin launches its Women of Endurance campaign, shining a light on the quiet resilience of women—especially mothers—as they juggle multiple roles and navigate the physical and mental demands of daily life. The initiative draws a powerful parallel: the endurance required of competitive athletes is no different from the strength women demonstrate every single day, even if their efforts often go unseen.

To bring these experiences to life, Garmin partnered with female artist Chouyi to create a series of vibrant illustrations that reimagine familiar moments through a new lens. Carrying a child up several flights of stairs mirrors the intensity of a HIIT workout; the walk home after a long day feels like crossing a finish line; and chasing little ones or managing household chaos resembles navigating a 10-kilometer obstacle course. Through delicate brushwork and rich colors, these artworks capture the lived reality of women everywhere, revealing a level of focus and determination equal to that of athletes facing high-stakes challenges.

Making Invisible Fatigue Visible 

While art helps us visualize these efforts, Garmin wearables turn them into measurable insights—making daily fatigue easier to identify and understand. 

For many women, exhaustion builds up gradually into what experts call “invisible fatigue”: a form of tiredness that is hard to quantify and often overlooked. Psychological studies show that women report fatigue more frequently than men, yet their weariness is frequently underestimated by others. This disconnect means their struggles are often felt but unrecognized—even as it underscores their incredible ability to adapt and keep going despite constant pressure.

Garmin’s campaign aims to change this narrative, positioning its devices as trusted partners that help women prioritize their health every day.

Backed by health science, Garmin wearables track key metrics such as Heart Rate Variability (HRV), stress levels, and sleep quality. These data points feed into Body Battery™, an intuitive score ranging from 0 to 100 that quantifies your body’s energy levels—giving you a clear picture of how much you’re exerting yourself and when it’s time to recover.

To help women use this information effectively, Garmin recommends five key strategies to build a personalized recovery routine:

- Spot fragmented sleep: Parenting often disrupts rest, affecting how your body recovers. Garmin’s Sleep Coach, powered by Firstbeat Analytics™, identifies periods of low-quality sleep so you can adjust your routine or seek support when needed.

- Track stress patterns: Persistently high stress signals your body is under strain. Simple guided breathing exercises can help lower stress levels and restore calm.

- Monitor recovery and immunity: HRV often shifts during menstrual cycles, after insufficient rest, or right before illness strikes. Tracking these trends lets you prioritize rest before exhaustion or sickness sets in.

- Understand dietary effects: Use Garmin’s Lifestyle Logging feature to see how foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, or high-sugar items impact metrics such as breathing rate—helping you align your diet with what your body actually needs.

- Embrace active rest: Just like elite athletes, intentional rest is vital for maintaining performance and overall wellness. Taking short breaks or engaging in light activity can be just as important as exercise.

Through the Women of Endurance campaign, Garmin encourages women everywhere—and mothers in particular—to take control of their well-being. By bringing hidden energy depletion into view, we can start the journey toward real, lasting recovery.

Exclusive Mother’s Day Offers 

To celebrate this campaign, Garmin is offering up to 18% off selected wellness watches—making them the perfect thoughtful gift for the special women in your life. Models like the Garmin Lily 2, Garmin Lily 2 Active, and Garmin Venu 3/3S are designed for everyday comfort and style, while keeping health tracking easy and accessible.

This promotion runs until May 10, 2026. Grab yours today at all Garmin Specialty Stores, via the official Garmin website, through Kinetic, or from Garmin’s official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Founders Donuts & Nanyang Serve Up Fresh New Flavors at SM City Marilao

Treat your tastebuds and enjoy heartwarming meals — SM City Marilao is proud to welcome two exciting new dining destinations: Founders Donuts and Nanyang! 

Founders Donuts

Serving freshly made donuts in a wide range of delicious flavors, alongside premium coffee and artisanal tea, this spot is perfect for every craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick sweet treat, something special to bring home, or simply want to pause and indulge while shopping, Founders Donuts has something just for you.

Nanyang 

 

Craving authentic Singaporean fare? Nanyang brings you genuine flavors at prices that won’t break the bank. From comforting classics to signature dishes and refreshing drinks, it offers a warm, inviting atmosphere — ideal for shoppers looking to relax, recharge, and enjoy a satisfying meal.

Together, Founders Donuts and Nanyang expand SM City Marilao’s growing lineup of dining choices. Now there are even more great reasons to visit, explore, and keep coming back for more! 

Powering Regional Collaboration: Converge Delivers Gigabit Connectivity for Philippines’ ASEAN Hosting

Leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has been designated as the official connectivity partner of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the Philippines’ hosting of key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings this year. The company is delivering ultra-fast internet speeds ranging from 1 gigabit to 5 gigabits per second across meeting venues and key locations nationwide.

“We are proud to showcase our world-class connectivity to thousands of foreign delegates, as well as Filipino government and business leaders, gathering across the country for this series of high-level ASEAN events,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy. 

“From arrival hubs to major conference venues, Converge is supporting the ASEAN meetings with reliable gigabit-speed connections. For the highlight of this calendar — the 48th ASEAN Summit taking place this May at the newly opened Mactan Expo Center — we will provide uninterrupted speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second.”

“Hosting the ASEAN Summit is a monumental undertaking that puts the Philippines at the center of regional attention — and seamless connectivity is the backbone of its success,” said DICT Secretary Henry Aguda. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Converge for their unwavering support and world-class service. Their commitment ensured that delegates remained connected at all times, proving once again that through Digital Bayanihan, we can achieve great results and meet the highest international standards.”

To date, Converge has activated services across 11 key sites in Metro Manila and Cebu. Apart from the Mactan Expo Center, the company has deployed high-speed fiber connectivity to premier hosting venues including five-star establishments such as Nustar Integrated Hotel and Casino (Cebu), Diamond Hotel Manila Bay, The Peninsula Manila, and Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay, among others. 

Reliable internet proved even more vital amid current national challenges: due to fuel supply concerns, around 650 preparatory meetings were shifted to virtual setups — made possible by robust digital infrastructure. The 48th ASEAN Summit itself, attended by Heads of State from all 11 member nations, will proceed as a face-to-face gathering.

“Our mission has always been to use technology for the greater good, and part of that means strengthening our fiber network across Visayas and Mindanao,” Uy shared. “As previously announced, we are expanding our infrastructure and rolling out additional service points this year to widen our coverage. This enhanced network capacity allows us to efficiently serve large-scale locations like the Mactan Expo Center and multiple hospitality hubs in Cebu.”

To ensure a seamless digital experience from the moment delegates arrive, Converge has also upgraded internet services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. All access points across Terminals 1, 2, and 3 now operate with a full 10 Gbps capacity.

This year’s Philippine ASEAN hosting covers a comprehensive range of activities — from committee and working group sessions to ministerial gatherings, culminating in the Leaders’ Summit attended by heads of state across the region.

Beyond the Plate: How These 3 Food Brands Are Reinventing Dining — With a Little Help From GCash for Business

Great food is just the start. Here’s how seamless payments help turn a meal into a memorable experience.

The local food scene has never been more exciting than it is today. With fresh concepts popping up constantly and diners always on the lookout for something new, food business owners are continually finding ways to set themselves up for lasting success.

Modern dining is a holistic experience, and the most successful entrepreneurs know that every detail shapes how customers remember a brand. Today, it is no longer just about what is served on the plate. It is about every touchpoint throughout the entire journey — from how people discover the restaurant online, to the welcome they receive, the quality of service, and everything in between.

However, one common issue often gets in the way of creating a flawless experience: slow or complicated payments. For three thriving food businesses, solving this challenge has become a key part of their growth strategy.

Designing the Full Experience, With Customers in Mind 

For Kariton — one of Manila’s most talked-about gelato spots — crafting a great experience starts by making people feel at home the moment they walk through the door.

“The name Kariton is inspired by the street carts many of us grew up with. When people enter our shop, I want them to feel an instant sense of warmth and familiarity. It should feel approachable, never intimidating. But once they taste our gelato, they’ll notice that we use precise techniques and high-quality local ingredients,” explains Leon Taira, Global Partner at Kariton. 

Kariton blends Filipino culture and nostalgia with a fun, Australian-inspired vibe, using gelato as a creative way to showcase local flavors and stories. But because gelato melts fast, speed of service is crucial. “Early on, we realized that even small details matter greatly — from queue flow and clear signage to temperature control and portion sizes, right down to how our staff greets guests. At the same time, we never want to rush anyone. We always make sure there’s enough time to share our story and the unique inspiration behind every scoop.” 

Balancing efficiency with brand identity is a challenge many modern food businesses face — including Taste & Tell, which recently expanded from a home-based operation to its very first physical store.

“We’ve learned that dining is about the entire journey: the ambiance, the service, the pace, and even the payment process. No matter how delicious the food is, a slow or stressful checkout can completely change how a guest feels about the experience,” shares owner Mariell Chuateco-Tanchip. “Generosity is at the heart of what we do. We want everyone to leave feeling full, happy, and already looking forward to coming back.” 

This sentiment is echoed by Patrick Santos, owner of Nolita Joe’s, whose service philosophy takes inspiration from the fast-paced energy of New York-style dining — without ever compromising on quality. For his team, the goal is simple: deliver efficiency while meeting the high standards guests deserve.

“Guests are quick to notice the little things, whether good or bad. Even something as small as waiting too long for the bill or having limited payment options can leave a negative impression,” Patrick notes.

To eliminate these pain points, all three businesses have integrated GCash for Business, alongside tools like the new GCash SoundPay, to speed up transactions and streamline service — especially during peak hours. GCash SoundPay is a payment device that enables instant cashless transactions via QR code, with real-time voice confirmation. It allows both staff and customers to verify payments immediately, keeping service smooth and steady.

“It has made everything so much easier,” Patrick adds. “There’s less friction, faster turnover, and less stress for the whole team — especially during our busiest times. Quicker transactions mean more customers served and much happier guests overall.”

Embracing Technology as Part of Hospitality

Across all three brands, one thing is clear: in today’s dining scene, technology is an essential part of great hospitality. For Leon, removing unnecessary hurdles is the key to turning first-time visitors into loyal customers.

“Before we offered cashless payments, we often faced issues like running out of exact change or dealing with delays during rush hours. These small inconveniences add up, slow down service, and ultimately make guests less likely to return,” he shares.

For today’s young food entrepreneurs, success is about much more than just serving amazing food. It is about curating a seamless experience — one that requires understanding customer behavior, mastering operations, and refining every step of the journey. For Kariton, Taste & Tell, and Nolita Joe’s, GCash for Business has become an invaluable partner in that process.

If you’re an aspiring or growing business owner, GCash for Business is the perfect solution to help you operate smarter and more efficiently. Simply create an account via the GCash for Business Portal. You can qualify for the Starter Plan using a verified GCash account that has been active for at least 12 months. Once registered, you can order your own GCash SoundPay device and await delivery confirmation via email. 

To learn more about how GCash supports businesses and to explore their full range of solutions, visit GCash for Business today.

U Be the Judge: Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Lets You Score Candidates Live — Only With Maya

For the first time in Philippine pageant history, the winner won’t be chosen by the official judges alone. This year, you get a take a seat on the panel.

Powered by Maya — the Philippines’ #1 Digital Bank and Official Voting Partner of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 — coronation night becomes a fully interactive event. Fans can now score candidates live and in real time, right alongside the official Selection Committee.

From Viewer to Judge: A Pageant Game-Changer

Miss Universe Philippines is taking the excitement to a whole new level by giving fans a more meaningful role during the biggest night of the competition.

Through Maya’s live scoring feature, you can rate candidates as they perform in every key segment — swimsuit, evening gown, and the all-important Q&A round. Every walk, every answer, every moment — now gets a score directly from you. 

How It Works: Your Turn to Judge 

Joining the live scoring experience is easy and convenient through the Maya app:

1. Go to the Miss Universe Philippines tile inside the Maya app, purchase your Premium Pass, and read through the instructions and scoring guidelines.

2. On coronation night, enter the active round (Swimsuit, Evening Gown, or Q&A) and view each candidate’s performance.

3. Rate each contestant from 1 to 10 based on your assessment, and review your scores after every segment.

You’ll be guided by clear criteria — including confidence, stage presence, overall impact, and suitability for each category — making the experience both fun and fair.

More Than Voting — Your Voice Actually Counts

Live scoring isn’t the only way to support your favorites. Throughout the competition, you can also cast FREE votes daily or buy additional votes to help your chosen queens move forward.

With Maya leading this innovation, pageantry becomes more dynamic than ever. Fan support is no longer just about comments or conversations — it directly shapes the journey and outcome.

Because on coronation night, when the stakes are highest, one thing is certain:

The universe isn’t just watching. The universe is judging.

U vote. U decide. U crown — for free. Vote with Maya.

Secure Your Future, Empower Your Team – Labor Day: Your Guide to Smart Retirement Planning

Labor Day is more than just a well-deserved break—it is a time to honor the hard work that shapes our nation, and a perfect opportunity to look ahead. It marks a shift from the daily grind to focusing on long-term financial security and peace of mind.

Whether you are an individual professional planning for a comfortable retirement or a business leader aiming to protect your greatest asset—your people—understanding how to build a solid retirement plan is essential.

The Reality: Are We Ready for Retirement?

Recent findings from the Retirement Index reveal a significant gap: most professionals feel unprepared for their post-work years. While everyone dreams of retiring comfortably, many lack a clear path to get there.

Retirement should not mean financial uncertainty—it should be your golden era: a time to enjoy the rewards of decades of hard work without having to compromise your lifestyle. To make this a reality, proactive planning is key.

Traditionally, a secure retirement rests on three pillars: social security pensions, employer-sponsored plans, and personal savings. However, the reality today is different: government and company pensions are often insufficient, and many people’s personal savings are drained by urgent expenses or healthcare needs. This is why you need a reliable, guaranteed income stream—a strong "fourth pillar"—to ensure a smooth transition into retirement and protect the savings you’ve worked so hard to build.

For Individuals: Take Control of Your Next Chapter

Securing your future starts with a mindset shift: treat your retirement fund as a mandatory "bill" you pay to your future self.

InLife’s Retire Assure — one of the country’s leading retirement solutions — is available to Filipinos aged 18 to 60, and offers these valuable features:

- ✅ Guaranteed monthly pension – No guesswork; you’ll know exactly how much you’ll receive to cover daily living costs.

- ✅ Growth potential through dividends – Helps boost your income to keep pace with inflation, cover medical expenses, or fund travel and leisure.

- ✅ Simpler application – No medical exams required for eligible applicants.

- ✅ Life insurance protection – In the event of death, beneficiaries receive the higher of 110% of total premiums paid (less any payouts already received) or the plan’s guaranteed cash value.

- ✅ Flexible payments and payouts – Choose payment schedules that suit your budget (annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly) and receive funds directly into your peso bank account.

- ✅ Shortened payment terms – You can finish paying in just 5 or 10 years, or opt for regular installments until age 59 or 64.

They say the best time to start planning for retirement was yesterday — but the second-best time is today. Starting early makes a huge difference in how much you’ll eventually have. And if you’re closer to retirement age (between 48 and 73) and haven’t yet built your fund, there’s still hope: Retire Assure 2 lets you pay the full amount in just two annual installments.

“At InLife, we believe retirement should be something to look forward to, not worry about. Retire Assure empowers Filipinos to take charge of their next chapter with confidence. We help you build a future where the lifestyle you’ve earned is protected, so you can retire with dignity.”

— Gae L. Martinez, Chief Marketing Officer, InLife

For Employers: Strengthen Your Workforce, Secure Their Future 

In today’s competitive job market, employee satisfaction goes hand-in-hand with financial peace of mind. Workplace benefits are no longer just "extras" — they are strategic investments that boost productivity, improve well-being, and help your business thrive long-term.

By including retirement planning in your benefits package, you do more than pay salaries — you give your team a future, helping them build that strong foundation for retirement we all want.

InLife’s Comprehensive Group Plan (CGP) is designed to help you do exactly that, with benefits such as:

- ✅ Dual coverage – Combines group life insurance and retirement savings, while helping you comply with laws like Republic Act 7641 (Retirement Pay Law) and Republic Act 4917 (Tax Exemptions for Private Retirement Plans).

- ✅ Fund protection – The retirement fund remains safe from depletion due to death or disability.

- ✅ Guaranteed earnings – Funds earn interest at a guaranteed rate. If actual earnings exceed this rate, your company receives 50% of the extra amount.

- ✅ Capital preservation – The fund is protected against market losses.

- ✅ Fair fee structure – Administrative fees apply only to new deposits, not the total accumulated fund.

- ✅ Voluntary savings option – Employees can choose to add their own contributions and grow their savings even more.

- ✅ Tax assistance – We handle all applications with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to ensure employees’ benefits remain tax-exempt, while your company’s contributions are fully tax-deductible.

“Our Comprehensive Group Plan turns retirement preparedness into a real competitive advantage for businesses. We help employers boost engagement and loyalty, while giving employees the chance to build a meaningful nest egg for their golden years.”

— Gae L. Martinez, Chief Marketing Officer, InLife

Labor Day is the perfect reminder: every worker deserves to retire with confidence and comfort. By combining personal foresight with strong corporate support, we can make sure that when your career ends, it’s just the beginning of an exciting new journey.

🔎 Learn more: 

- For Retire Assure: https://www.inlife.com.ph/retirement-insurance

- For InLife’s Comprehensive Group Plan: https://www.inlife.com.ph/group-insurance or email corporatesales@insular.com.ph.