Converge Launches “BizFriend Rewards” Program: Elevating MSME Partnerships Beyond Connectivity

Converge is reinforcing its dedication to Filipino entrepreneurs with the introduction of BizFriend Rewards—a loyalty and engagement program created to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative goes far beyond delivering reliable internet access; it provides meaningful rewards, memorable experiences, and tangible opportunities for business growth.

This launch marks a strategic evolution for Converge SME Solutions, repositioning the company as a committed long-term partner in the success of its MSME clients.

“MSMEs lie at the very core of our growth story, and BizFriend Rewards demonstrates that we value them for much more than their business transactions,” said Dindo Marzan, Senior Vice President and Head of the SME Group at Converge. “We want our customers to understand that they are not merely subscribers—they are partners with whom we build and succeed together.”

“BizFriend Rewards was crafted to make our MSME customers feel truly appreciated. We recognize their worth not just because they choose our services, but because of the ambition and resilience they bring to their businesses each and every day,” explained Thirdee Deacosta, Loyalty and Retention Manager at Converge. “Through this program, our goal is to nurture deeper relationships founded on trust, genuine appreciation, and shared progress.”

The program is built on three central pillars, each designed to support a distinct stage and need within an MSME’s journey: Choice, Chill, and Circle.

BizFriend Choice

This pillar offers customers greater flexibility by providing access to a curated range of benefits and complimentary offers whenever they renew their contracts or upgrade their service plans. By presenting options that directly enhance daily operations or reduce costs, Converge strengthens customer loyalty while delivering practical value.

“Modern business owners look for solutions that adapt to their specific needs,” Marzan added. “By giving them the freedom to choose what matters most to them, we empower them to get the greatest possible benefit from their partnership with us.”

BizFriend Chill 

While Choice focuses on operational value, BizFriend Chill focuses on human connection and shared enjoyment. This component creates meaningful experiences that extend well beyond standard business interactions. Activities range from exclusive events such as private screenings and concerts to premium dining experiences and seasonal gatherings. Through these shared moments, Converge aims to foster closer bonds with and among its growing community of MSME partners. 

“We believe strong relationships are built not only during formal meetings, but through shared moments of joy and celebration,” Marzan noted. “These experiences are our way of honoring our customers and the incredible journeys they are on.” 

BizFriend Circle

The final pillar, BizFriend Circle, focuses on sustainable growth through community and increased visibility. It functions as a dedicated platform for business development, offering access to skill-building workshops, industry seminars, and networking sessions. Additionally, participants gain exposure through trade exhibitions and targeted digital marketing support—all designed to help entrepreneurs expand their market reach and improve their operational capabilities.

“Our role extends far beyond simply providing internet connectivity; we exist to enable and accelerate growth,” Marzan emphasized. “Through BizFriend Circle, we are opening new doors so that MSMEs can learn valuable skills, build valuable connections, and ultimately thrive in their industries.”

With BizFriend Rewards, Converge seeks to set a new standard for customer engagement within the connectivity industry. By combining exclusive privileges, lifestyle experiences, and tools for business empowerment, the company delivers a comprehensive program that addresses the diverse needs of modern enterprises. 

Angel Gutierrez, Vice President and Head of Converge SME Marketing

Angela Gutierrez, Vice President and Head of Converge SME Marketing, highlighted that the company’s vision goes beyond service delivery. “With BizFriend Rewards, we are building something much more lasting than a standard service relationship. 

We are cultivating a community where every customer feels supported, valued, and guided at every step of their business journey.”

For more details about Converge SME Solutions, please visit: https://www.convergeict.com/sme .

Condo Living, Community Life: Why More Filipinos Are Choosing Homes in Master-Planned Townships

Westwind demonstrates the best of private living within a thriving, connected neighborhood

From an Artist’s Perspective

What defines a dream home today? For young professionals and growing families, the answer is evolving. Instead of large houses that demand constant maintenance, more homebuyers now prefer spaces that offer efficiency, flexibility, and easy access to daily necessities.

This shift has fueled the rising popularity of condominium living. With manageable unit sizes, built-in security, and shared amenities, condominiums deliver comfort and convenience—without the heavy responsibilities of maintaining a bigger property.

At the same time, buyers are looking beyond the four walls of their building. Developments situated within master-planned communities have become especially desirable, because they combine private living spaces with environments designed for accessibility, ease, and genuine community connection.

A prime example is Westwind, a low-rise condominium community within Lancaster New City in Cavite. Here, residents enjoy all the practical benefits of condo living, while being part of a fully integrated township built to support every aspect of daily life.

Located in General Trias, Cavite, Westwind also offers the distinct advantage of proximity to Metro Manila. Residents remain well-connected to work and career opportunities in the city, while enjoying the quieter, greener surroundings that Cavite is known for.

The Practical Appeal of Condominium Living

For first-time homeowners, condominiums provide an accessible entry point to property ownership. Units are easier to clean and maintain; security systems are built into the development; and shared amenities let residents enjoy recreational spaces without the burden of managing them personally.

This setup suits busy individuals and families who value safety, order, and a well-kept environment. It allows residents to focus on their daily lives, while living in thoughtfully designed spaces that suit modern needs.

The Perfect Balance: Convenience and Lifestyle 

Choosing a condominium like Westwind is about more than just compact living—it is about striking the ideal balance between practicality and lifestyle.

Residents enjoy the ease and security of condo living, while reaping all the benefits of belonging to a master-planned township within Lancaster New City.

Living in General Trias also places Metro Manila within easy reach for work, business, and essential activities. Yet residents escape the higher costs and heavy congestion often associated with condominiums inside the capital, while enjoying a calmer, greener environment.

Living Within a Planned Community

What sets township-based condominiums apart is the world outside your door. Instead of living in an isolated building, you become part of a neighborhood where daily needs are already woven into the community design.

Within Lancaster New City, essential establishments are located just a short distance from homes. Families have access to St. Edward School right within the township, while The Square serves as the central commercial hub—home to restaurants, shops, and essential services.

Transportation is seamless, too, via the Lancaster New City Transport Hub, which connects residents to nearby areas and Metro Manila, making daily commutes far more manageable. 

Spaces Designed for Connection and Community

Master-planned communities are intentionally designed to encourage outdoor activity and human interaction. Lancaster New City features parks, open green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets—perfect for walking, exercise, or simply spending time outdoors.

Westwind complements this environment perfectly, offering amenities such as jogging paths, bicycle lanes, outdoor work areas, and beautifully landscaped open spaces. These areas create natural opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and building connections with neighbors. 

A Home That Extends Beyond Your Unit 

For today’s homebuyers, a home is defined not just by the space inside your unit, but by the environment surrounding it. Access to essential services, green spaces, and a well-connected neighborhood has become a top priority.

By combining the convenience of condominium living with the advantages of a master-planned township, Westwind—within Lancaster New City—represents what modern residential living should be: practical, comfortable, and deeply rooted in a true sense of community.

For the latest updates on communities developed by Profriends, visit the official website at www.profriends.com. You may also follow their social media channels for news, events, and community highlights on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Converge Blocked 12 Billion Access Attempts to Malicious Sites, Banned Over 72,000 Illicit Domains and URLs in 2025

In a sustained effort to counter cyber threats, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. blocked nearly 12 billion attempts to access websites hosting dangerous, inappropriate, or harmful content throughout 2025. 

To ensure its network is never exploited for illegal activity, Converge also blacklisted more than 72,000 domains and web addresses associated with prohibited content over the year. These actions were carried out in compliance with government mandates and as part of the company’s ongoing partnership with the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)—a global nonprofit dedicated to eliminating child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from the internet. 

Converge SVP and Head of Cyber Security Services Andrew Malijan

Andrew Malijan, Senior Vice President and Head of Cyber Security Services at Converge, noted that as cybercriminals adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to target victims, the company remains proactive in its defenses. Its goal is not only to protect customers but also to stop illicit online operations from spreading.

“The internet empowers us in countless ways, yet it has unfortunately also become a channel for exploitation,” Malijan said. “At Converge, we stand by our commitment to Tech for Good. Every connection we deliver is designed to be a force for good—empowering, uplifting, and, above all, safe for everyone.”

Internal data shows that most of the sites restricted by Converge were found to host CSAM or facilitate the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). Beyond these, the company also removed links to illegal online gambling platforms, phishing sites, financial scams, voyeuristic content, and materials linked to terrorism.

In its latest annual report, the IWF revealed that the number of commercial child sexual abuse websites it tracked doubled year-over-year to more than 15,000. The organization emphasized that bad actors continue to exploit gaps in online security infrastructure to operate.

Converge has partnered with the IWF since 2021 to combat OSAEC and shield users from illegal and malicious websites through robust, comprehensive filtering. Complementing these efforts, the company enforces a formal Child Online Safeguarding Policy, reinforcing its promise to foster a safer online experience for all users—especially children, who remain highly vulnerable to cyber risks and online exploitation.

EastWest Bank Earns Three Top Honors at 2026 Digital CX Awards for ESTA

Industry Recognition Reinforces the Bank’s Commitment to Advancing AI and Digital Solutions for Enhanced Customer Service 

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) has been honored with three prestigious awards at the 2026 Digital CX Awards, taking home titles for Best Use of AI for Customer Experience, Best Use of Generative AI for Customer Experience, and Outstanding Chatbot Customer Experience — all awarded at the national level in the Philippines. These accolades celebrate ESTA (EastWest System Tech Assistant), the Bank’s advanced AI-powered platform that is transforming the way Filipinos interact with and access banking services. 

The recognition underscores EastWest’s ongoing commitment to investing in practical, customer-centric technology designed to make banking simpler, more efficient, and more accessible. ESTA combines automation, generative artificial intelligence, and conversational capabilities to deliver a seamless and intuitive banking experience for every user. 

What began as an innovative chat-based solution for customer support has evolved into a comprehensive digital engagement platform. Today, customers can use ESTA to apply for credit cards, auto loans, and personal loans, explore insurance products, and participate in auto bidding — all accessible through Facebook Messenger and the Bank’s other digital channels. For many clients, ESTA serves as the first point of contact with EastWest, functioning both as a valuable service tool and an effective channel for acquiring new relationships.

What sets ESTA apart is its ability to deliver personalized and meaningful interactions. Every conversation helps the platform gain deeper insight into individual customer needs, ensuring future engagements are always relevant and timely. Common inquiries are resolved instantly, cutting down wait times and improving overall convenience. When a request requires the support of a human representative, ESTA seamlessly transfers the conversation while sharing all necessary context — eliminating the need for customers to repeat information and ensuring a smooth transition.

ESTA is a key component of EastWest’s broader phygital strategy, where digital tools and human support work hand in hand to give customers greater flexibility and choice in how they bank. Whether engaging through online channels or visiting one of the Bank’s branches nationwide, the core objective remains consistent: to make banking easier, more responsive, and perfectly aligned with the needs of every customer.

“More and more people are growing comfortable using artificial intelligence for their daily needs, and banking is no exception,” said Jerry G. Ngo, Chief Executive Officer of EastWest. “Our mission is to make banking simpler for the communities we serve. The insights we gather help us understand our customers better, enabling us to provide service that is truly tailored to them. Our vision is clear: when Filipinos think of connecting with their bank through conversation, we want EastWest to be the first name that comes to mind.”

EastWest continues to expand and improve ESTA, with upcoming features including proactive notifications, expanded transaction support, and an even wider range of product offerings. Every development is guided by one core goal: to deliver a banking experience that is easy to use, intuitive, and available whenever customers need it.

Start your conversation with ESTA today through EastWest’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/EastWestBanker. To learn more about the full range of products and services, visit www.eastwestbanker.com. The Bank reminds all customers to conduct transactions only through authorized and official EastWest channels.

The 2026 Digital CX Awards recognize outstanding innovation in digital customer experience across the Asia-Pacific banking industry.

Shop Smart and Save Big at SM City Valenzuela’s 3-Day Sale

Before the back-to-school rush officially kicks off, SM City Valenzuela invites all shoppers to enjoy incredible savings at its much-awaited 3-Day Sale happening on May 29, 30, and 31. Whether you are looking to stock up on classroom essentials, refresh your wardrobe, or upgrade your everyday items, this event is the perfect opportunity to fill your carts with quality finds—all while staying well within budget.

Shoppers can enjoy discounts of up to 70% off on a wide variety of products, ranging from fashion apparel, home essentials, and beauty must-haves to daily necessities and the latest tech gadgets. Whether you are preparing for the upcoming school season or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved shopping spree, this three-day event brings the best deals together in one convenient location.

Look forward to exciting price drops at favorite destinations including The SM Store, SM Hypermarket, Watsons, Ace Hardware, Miniso, and SM Appliance Center, alongside over 100 participating stores across the mall.

But the savings and excitement do not end there! As a special highlight of the sale, every single or accumulated purchase of ₱1,000 automatically earns you a raffle entry. Stand a chance to drive home a brand-new Suzuki Dzire GL CVT Hybrid—the perfect bonus to your shopping haul.

With the busy school season fast approaching, this is your best chance to get a head start on your shopping list. Beat the crowds and secure all your school supplies, household needs, and lifestyle upgrades early, hassle-free.

For real-time updates, exclusive announcements, and event highlights, follow us at https://www.facebook.com/smcityvalenzuela and be the first to know about more surprises in store.

Head over to your favorite SM City Valenzuela and experience a shopping celebration taken to the MAX! See you there!

LG Electronics Brings Korea’s Housewarming Tradition to Southeast Asia

LG Introduces K-Lifestyle Experience Across Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia — Showcasing How Affectionate Intelligence Enhances Daily Life

LG Electronics (LG) has launched “Housewarming by LG,” a regional experiential marketing campaign that brings Korea’s beloved housewarming culture to consumers across Southeast Asia. The initiative kicked off on May 19 at Another Saigon, a premium experience venue in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and will expand sequentially to Thailand on June 4 and Indonesia on June 23. Each stop features immersive lifestyle spaces designed to showcase LG home appliances within authentic, real-world living environments. 

“Southeast Asia is home to one of the world’s most engaged and vibrant communities for Korean culture,” said Jaeseung Kim, Regional CEO of LG Electronics Asia Pacific. “With Housewarming by LG, we are opening our doors to local consumers, demonstrating firsthand how LG’s Affectionate Intelligence is engineered to truly understand and complement the way people live today.” 

Reimagining Korean Lifestyle Trends as a Consumer Experience

Rooted in Korea’s traditional housewarming culture — where guests are welcomed into a home to share in the warmth and rhythm of daily life — this campaign transforms a popular cultural tradition into an interactive brand experience.

Moving beyond the conventional showroom format, LG has created curated residential zones that mirror real-life living spaces. Visitors are invited to explore and interact with products in settings ranging from entryways and kitchens to living rooms and dressing rooms, discovering how LG appliances deliver greater convenience, comfort, and meaningful value to everyday routines.

In the kitchen, attendees can prepare authentic Korean-style drinks and dishes using LG refrigerators equipped with advanced dispensing systems, including Craft Ice™, cubed ice, and crushed ice options. In the living area, LG air conditioners and air purifiers work in harmony to maintain ideal temperature, humidity, and air quality, while the LG StanbyME™ 2 offers a versatile platform for home workouts and leisure. In the dressing zone, the LG WashTower™ leverages AI technology to analyze fabric type, load weight, and soil level for optimized washing and drying performance. Visitors can also test the LG Styler®, designed to simplify clothing care and personal styling with premium results.

Two Distinct Lifestyles, One Shared Vision: Affectionate Intelligence

A core highlight of the campaign is its recognition that there is no single definition of a perfect lifestyle. To reflect this diversity, LG has partnered with prominent K-pop and entertainment personalities MINHO (of SHINee) and Shin Ye Eun, each representing a distinct lifestyle concept that illustrates how LG technology adapts to different ways of living, resting, and moving through life.

- MINHO’s Space embodies an active, social lifestyle centered on movement and meaningful connections. Drawing inspiration from MINHO’s own dynamic lifestyle and Korea’s rising running culture, this space showcases products tailored for energetic, on-the-go individuals who value health and shared experiences.

- Ye Eun’s Space reflects a more personal, aesthetics-driven lifestyle shaped by the principles of K-Wellness and quiet individuality. Aligned with Shin Ye Eun’s refined sensibilities, this environment resonates deeply with millennial and Gen Z consumers across Southeast Asia who embrace Korean cultural trends and prioritize mindful living.

While the two spaces differ in character and design, they share a unified message: LG’s Affectionate Intelligence is built to understand and adapt to the diverse rhythms of modern life, helping every individual live better, every day. 

K-Lifestyle as a Bridge for Cultural Connection

Housewarming by LG meets consumers where they are — by leaning into the K-lifestyle sensibilities that audiences across Southeast Asia already know, enjoy, and aspire to. By embedding its technology within familiar cultural narratives, LG creates experiences that feel personal, intuitive, and deeply relevant.

To ensure authentic cultural representation, LG collaborated with SACHUNKI of MACHO, a creative studio renowned for spatial storytelling rooted in Korean culture. This partnership guarantees that every detail of the physical environments carries genuine cultural credibility, seamlessly translating K-lifestyle aesthetics into a cohesive and immersive brand experience.

Extending the Experience Beyond Physical Venues 

LG will extend the campaign’s reach through digital channels, releasing exclusive behind-the-scenes content, highlight reels, and feature stories from each pop-up location via its YouTube channel and social media platforms. This digital extension ensures that the Housewarming by LG experience reaches even those unable to attend in person, amplifying its impact across the entire Southeast Asian region. 

Strengthening Commitment to Cultural Storytelling

This initiative builds on LG’s growing focus on connecting with global audiences through culturally meaningful experiences. Earlier this year, at LG InnoFest 2026 APAC in Busan — attended by partners and media from over 20 Asia-Pacific markets — LG earned wide acclaim for an exhibition designed around iconic spaces from popular K-dramas. The event demonstrated how Korean cultural storytelling serves as a powerful medium to communicate LG’s innovation and vision for better living.

Pangasinan, Naki-isa sa Walang Sawang Saya, Laro at Papremyo Hatid ng BRGY S2S at Converge

Muling naghatid ng saya, palaro, at papremyo ang Surf2Sawa by Converge sa pagdating ng BRGY S2S sa Brgy. Palaris, San Carlos City, Pangasinan noong May 9, 2026.

Ang naturang aktibidad ay kasunod ng matatagumpay na paglulunsad ng BRGY S2S sa Daet, na nagpapatibay sa lumalawak na presensya ng Surf2Sawa sa mga komunidad. Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, muling pinatunayan ng kumpanya ang pangako nitong magbigay ng maasahan, de-kalidad at abot-kayang internet para sa bawat pamilyang Filipino. 

Binuksan ang pagdiriwang sa pamamagitan ng Zumba2Sawa, kung saan masayang naki-indak sa umaga ang mga residente. Kasunod nito, lalo pang uminit ang enerhiya sa engrandeng Parade at Recorida na nagmula sa Arenas Complex at dumaan sa Converge Business Center sa kahabaan ng G.H. Del Pilar St. Ang parada ay nag-ikot din sa Malong St. at Burgos St. bago muling bumalik sa Arenas Complex.

Nagpatuloy ang saya sa venue sa pamamagitan ng iba't ibang aktibidad at sa high-energy performance na naging signature na ng bawat BRGY S2S event na bumuhay sa diwa at nagbigay-aliw sa mga residente ng Brgy. Palaris.

Isa sa mga pinaka-inabangang bahagi ng programa ang Sugod Barangay. Sa kanilang kulitan at pakikipagkwentuhan sa mga residente, naging mas malapit at mas masaya ang karanasan ng komunidad habang binigyan-diin naman ang kahalagahan ng pagiging konektado sa araw-araw na buhay.

Bukod sa mga pasabog na pagtatanghal, naging highlight din ang mga interactive games at raffle draws kung saan namahagi ng kaabang-abang na papremyo. Itinampok din ang mga contest gaya ng MamaMove, Sing2Sawa at Mama Mong Kabugera, na nagpakitang-gilas sa talento at galing ng mga residente. Sa bawat segment ng programa, mas napayabong ang diwa ng bayanihan at pagkakaisa, na nagpapatunay sa malalim na koneksyon ng Surf2Sawa sa bawat komunidad na pinaglilingkuran nito.

Sa pamamagitan ng BRGY S2S, patuloy na inilalapit ng Surf2Sawa ang abot-kayang prepaid fiber internet sa mas maraming Filipino. Ang Surf2Sawa ay ang mura, unlimited, at walang kontratang internet service na may bilis na hanggang 50 Mbps sa halagang ₱4 kada araw bawat user (hanggang anim na device.) Available rin ang ExtraBoost add-ons na nagbibigay ng hanggang 100 Mbps na bilis para sa mas demanding na online activities tulad ng streaming, online classes, at work-from-home setups.

Ayon kay Conrado “Kap Dhing” Pascual, Vice President at Business Unit Head ng Converge, “Sa pamamagitan ng BRGY S2S, patuloy naming inilalapit ang Surf2Sawa sa mas maraming komunidad upang mabigyan ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ng access sa mabilis, maaasahan, at abot-kayang internet. Mahalaga ang koneksyon hindi lamang para sa entertainment, kundi bilang tulay sa edukasyon, kabuhayan, at pang-araw-araw na komunikasyon.”

Samantala, binigyang-diin naman ni Orange Ramirez, Vice President at Head of Brand & Marketing ng Converge, ang layunin ng inisyatiba na gawing mas inclusive ang digital access sa bansa. “Ang BRGY S2S ay repleksyon ng commitment ng Converge na walang komunidad ang mapag-iiwanan sa digital age. Sa bawat barangay na aming pinupuntahan, mas pinapalapit namin ang de-kalidad na fixed-fiber connectivity sa mga pamilyang nangangailangan nito, habang sabay naming dinadala ang saya at engagement na tunay na para sa komunidad.”

Sa matagumpay na pagdating nito sa San Carlos, muling pinatunayan ng BRGY S2S na higit pa sa saya at papremyo ang hatid nito sa bawat komunidad. Isa itong pagdiriwang ng koneksyon at pagkakaisa, kung saan mas nailalapit ng Surf2Sawa by Converge ang mabilis, maaasahan, at abot-kayang internet sa mas maraming pamilyang Filipino para magbukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa araw-araw na buhay.

Para sa mas kumpletong impormasyon tungkol sa Surf2Sawa at mga susunod pang event ng BRGY S2S, bisitahin ang surf2sawa.com o i-follow ang Facebook page na www.facebook.com/Surf2Sawa .