Raptor Opens New Store at SM City Grand Central

For many Filipinos, passion starts as a hobby, a weekend escape, a creative pursuit, or simply the drive to explore beyond the ordinary. Whether capturing breathtaking landscapes, heading out on a camping trip, embarking on road adventures, or carrying essential tools for work, one need remains constant: reliable gear that can keep up.

This is where Raptor comes in.

The trusted brand, known for its rugged protective cases, outdoor essentials, and adventure-ready equipment, has officially opened its newest store on the 4th Level of SM City Grand Central. This expansion brings its growing lineup of durable, dependable products closer to customers across North Metro Manila.

More than just a retail space, Raptor serves as a hub for explorers, creators, professionals, hobbyists, and outdoor enthusiasts—people who understand the value of protecting the tools and equipment that fuel what they love.

What began as a small shop catering to drone enthusiasts and content creators has grown into a brand built on a simple yet powerful promise: make products that withstand demanding environments, so people can confidently pursue their passions. From safeguarding sensitive camera gear to supporting outdoor adventures, Raptor has expanded its reach across industries while staying true to its core principle: “Protect Your Passion.”

The new store features a carefully curated selection of gear built for both everyday use and extreme conditions.

Product Highlights  

- Protective Cases: Raptor’s Air and Extreme hard cases are engineered to shield cameras, drones, electronics, musical instruments, and other valuables from impact, dust, and harsh weather. These have become trusted companions for photographers, filmmakers, musicians, and collectors alike. 

- Outdoor Essentials: Browse the Arctic and Polar coolers—designed for superior temperature retention—plus Fusion and Twist drinkware built for all-day use on the go. Also available are the Terra camping mat, Perch camping chair, and Rover and Rig stackable storage boxes, perfect for organized and secure travel. 

- Solutions for Professionals: Beyond recreation, Raptor offers durable storage and protection solutions trusted by professionals and creatives who rely on their gear every day.

Every purchase is backed by the Raptor Guarantee: a lifetime service warranty and dedicated customer support, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to lasting quality and reliability. 

Now open at SM City Grand Central, Raptor invites everyone to discover gear built to endure tough conditions—supporting the passions, pursuits, and everyday journeys that define modern lifestyles.

📍 Visit Raptor at the 4th Level, SM City Grand Central.

Converge Bags Top Privacy Award for Children’s Awareness Campaign

Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, Converge Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer and Corporate Sustainability Officer, holds up the Kabataang Digital Award at the PAW Awards 2026 in Okada, Manila.

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has been recognized as a champion of data privacy, receiving the Kabataang Digital Award from the National Privacy Commission (NPC). The distinction honors the company’s initiative to empower young people to understand and protect their data privacy rights online.

The NPC presents the Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) Awards annually to celebrate efforts that strengthen data privacy awareness and promote responsible handling of personal information across the Philippines. For its 2026 edition, the commission conferred 10 awards to organizations and individuals making significant contributions to advancing data protection nationwide.

The Kabataang Digital Award specifically recognizes programs that empower and safeguard children and youth by fostering digital responsibility, raising privacy awareness, and promoting measures to secure their personal data.

“This recognition reminds us that technology is most meaningful when it serves to protect, empower, and uplift young people and communities. We share this award with everyone who believed in Project PIGLET—short for Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies—supported our vision, and worked quietly behind the scenes to bring it to life. Most of all, we dedicate this to the youth: may we continue building a digital space that is safe, responsible, and hopeful for the next generation,” said Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason, Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer, and Corporate Sustainability Officer, during the ceremony. 

AVP & Head of Data Privacy and Information Security Compliance Eumir Espiritu leads the story-telling session involving the 'space cadets' and their 'space officers' (parents) to children of Brgy. Baclayan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Launched in 2024 by the Corporate Governance and Data Privacy Group, Project PIGLET is designed to boost digital literacy and privacy awareness among school-aged children.

Tailored for learners as young as seven years old, the program uses interactive storytelling to teach children how to protect their digital identity. Through a space-themed adventure narrative, participants learn about online risks and practical ways to secure their personal information. The initiative also encourages parents and guardians to take an active role in this “digital adventure,” emphasizing that protecting children’s privacy is a shared responsibility. 

Captain Conrad (Converge) seeks the help of intrepid space explorers in navigating the 'internet space' and battles Internet monsters along the way.

Since its launch, Project PIGLET has been implemented in schools across Metro Manila, Mindoro, and Pampanga, as well as among Converge employees and their families.

“Guided by our mission to leverage Tech For Good, we take seriously the responsibility of balancing broad connectivity access with the protection of our users’ data. Through programs like Project PIGLET, we aim to safeguard those most vulnerable online—especially children,” added Esteban-Tuason.

Atty. Esteban-Tuason was previously honored in 2025 as Best Data Privacy Officer (under the General Management and Services sector) by the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG), the Philippines’ leading organization for information security professionals.

Yabu: House of Katsu Brings Its Katsu Mastery to Bulacan with First Central Luzon Branch at SM City Marilao

Yabu: House of Katsu officially opened its first branch in Central Luzon at SM City Marilao. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Standard Hospitality Group Founder and CEO John Concepcion (2nd from right); Partner and Head of Business Development and Purchasing Gerry Santos (3rd from left); together with the Director of Marketing and Business Unit Head for Yabu, Ippudo, and Elephant Grounds Earl Keh (right). Joining them were SM Regional Leasing Head Anna S. Jabol (3rd from right), SM City Marilao Assistant Mall Manager Janette C. Aguilera (left), and Senior Leasing Manager Crisadel Z. Sapugay (2nd from left).

The Philippines’ pioneer in authentic Japanese katsu opens its doors at SM City Marilao, bringing the beloved House of Katsu experience closer to home for the Bulacan community. 

Yabu: House of Katsu, the Philippines’ pioneer in authentic Japanese katsu, officially opens its first branch in Central Luzon at SM City Marilao on May 26, 2026. For over a decade, the brand has delighted families across Metro Manila—and now, it brings its signature craft and dining experience to Bulacan.

Coming Home to the North 

For years, guests from Bulacan have traveled all the way to Metro Manila to enjoy their favorite katsu. With the opening at SM City Marilao, Yabu is now bringing that beloved experience closer to home. This new location marks Yabu’s first step into Central Luzon, reflecting the brand’s commitment to expanding its reach and serving more Filipino families nationwide. It is also the next exciting chapter in Yabu’s growth, with more locations planned for communities outside the metro. 

The Same Great Katsu, The Same Cherished Rituals

Guests at SM City Marilao can expect the full, authentic Yabu experience: hand-breaded katsu fried to perfection using fresh, house-made panko, served with unlimited Japanese rice, miso soup, crisp cabbage, and fresh fruit.

Central to every visit is the timeless Yabu ritual: guests grind their own sesame seeds, mix in the signature house-made tonkatsu sauce, and savor each bite. This simple, meaningful tradition has made Yabu feel like home for over ten years—and now, it is finally here for Bulacan to enjoy.

The complete Yabu menu is available, featuring classic Katsu Sets, premium Kurobuta, the new Crispy Katsudon, the fan-favorite Tornado Curry, as well as a selection of freshly made sushi rolls, appetizers, and desserts like the popular Tiramisu. 

Designed to Feel Like Home

Built to Yabu’s latest design standards, the SM City Marilao branch showcases the brand’s iconic masu cup walls—crafted after traditional Japanese sake vessels—and a hand-drawn manga wall celebrating the art of katsu-making. Combined with warm, attentive service, the space is thoughtfully designed to make every guest feel welcome the moment they step inside. 

Visit:

Yabu: House of Katsu – SM City Marilao

Ground Level, SM City Marilao, Bulacan

Operating Hours: 

- Weekdays (Monday–Friday): 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

- Weekends (Saturday–Sunday): 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM 

Come home to your favorite katsu. For updates, follow @yabuph on Facebook and Instagram.

Grab and UNIQLO Turn Everyday App Moments Into Wearable Summer Keepsakes

Limited-edition UTme! “Blueprint for a 5-Star Summer” collection lets Filipinos wear their favorite Grab memories—from food cravings to barkada trips—on shirts and totes

This summer, Grab Philippines and UNIQLO invite Filipinos to wear their most beloved everyday moments right on their sleeves.

The two brands have launched “Blueprint for a 5-Star Summer,” a limited-edition UTme! collection that transforms familiar scenes from the Grab app into playful, wearable art. Designs bring to life those shared experiences we all know well: finally satisfying a food craving, receiving a delivery exactly when needed, making spontaneous plans with friends, or simply uttering the iconic line, “Nagpa-Grab ako.” These moments are now available as custom prints on T-shirts and tote bags.

This collaboration marks the first time a superapp has partnered with UNIQLO’s UTme! service in the Philippines. The customizable collection is now available at select UNIQLO Printer Stores nationwide.

Created with a distinct blueprint-inspired aesthetic, the range reimagines everyday Grab experiences as technical diagrams, complete with witty, distinctly Filipino annotations. Each piece maps the small yet meaningful ways Grab fits into daily life—whether through a ride, delivery, meal, or last-minute plan made under the summer sun.

Featured designs include:

- “GUTOM NA AKO: A Technical Breakdown” – A tribute to that satisfying feeling of rewarding yourself with a well-earned treat, annotated with phrases like “Dasurb ko ’to.”

- “PA-GRAB MO NA YAN: A Technical Study” – Captures the coordination and effort behind every successful delivery.

- “A GUIDE TO BOOKING A CHILL RIDE” – Illustrates how features like Group Ride make planning spontaneous outings with friends easier than ever.

- “THE INNER WORKINGS OF NAG-PA GRAB AKO” – Turns the familiar rush of meeting a rider or delivery partner at the gate into a fun, wearable schematic. 

Customers can print these designs on T-shirts and tote bags at participating UNIQLO Printer Stores, including:

UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store, UNIQLO Mall of Asia, UNIQLO BGC High Street, UNIQLO Greenhills, UNIQLO Nuvali Sta. Rosa Roadside Store, UNIQLO Ayala Center Cebu, and UNIQLO Davao Roadside Store.

To make the experience even smoother, Grab is offering users discounted rides to and from participating UNIQLO Roadside and Flagship stores nationwide. The promo offers 10% off rides (capped at ₱30 per ride) with no minimum fare required. Users may redeem the discount up to four times per month, or a total of 36 times throughout the promo period.

The ride promotion runs from April 10, 2026, to February 27, 2027, excluding dates for the UNIQLO Thank You Festival. 

Grab Philippines and UNIQLO will release the collection in two phases; Phase 1 is available until September 30, 2026. Customers may view the full design catalog and list of participating stores via UNIQLO’s official UTme! webpage.

Gold: The New “It Girl” Investment for Younger Generations

Digital gold is the latest trend — and GCrypto makes it easy to own

What do Sabrina Carpenter, matcha lattes, and ballet flats have in common? All had their defining “It Girl” moment: dominating conversations, shaping culture, and quickly becoming everyone’s favorite must-have. But what if investment assets had their own trendsetter? Right now, gold is stepping into that spotlight — and winning over a whole new generation.

Traditionally, gold has been linked to family heirlooms, safety deposit boxes, or the kind of timeless financial advice your tita always gives. It was viewed as reliable, but also somewhat old-fashioned — an asset for later in life, not for young investors just starting out. Yet, a Reuters report shows that as early as 2024, younger generations began turning to gold to make smarter choices amid an unpredictable economy. They are increasingly drawn to its reputation for stability and lasting value.

And it makes perfect sense. Between rising costs, market ups and downs, and the pressure to make savings grow, high-barrier, complex investments are losing their shine. Instead, many new investors prefer options that feel stable, tangible, and easy to understand. Yahoo Finance notes that younger savers now prioritize lower-risk, long-term assets — and gold fits perfectly. It is no longer seen as something “for someday,” but as a practical choice for right now: a proven store of value that fits modern financial goals.

Why Gold Is Making a Comeback: Driven by Economic Uncertainty

Gold’s rising popularity is no accident. According to a 2025 analysis by EBC Financial Group, growing geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, recession fears, and ongoing market swings have pushed investors back toward trusted “safe haven” assets. Gold’s long-standing role as a protector of wealth during instability has returned to center stage. The result? Stronger global demand and record-high prices, as people seek investments that do not fluctuate wildly with every market shift.

In the Philippines especially, young investors are becoming more intentional about growing their money — not just for quick gains, but to build lasting security. Recent findings from the Q4 2025 TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study show that younger consumers favor simple, low-effort, and practical ways to manage and expand their finances.

The mindset shift is clear: investing is no longer about guessing or chasing trends. It is about planning for stability and future milestones.

This is where gold redefines itself. It is no longer framed as an expensive, out-of-reach luxury, but as something far more accessible than its reputation suggests. What was once considered costly or hard to hold is now seen as a realistic way to build wealth over time — thanks to flexible, low-entry options designed for modern lifestyles.

Enter Digital Gold: The Simple Way to Start

Now, there is digital gold — no visits to vaults, no negotiating at jewelry stores, and no need for huge upfront cash. It is a streamlined way to start small, grow steadily, and invest in a format that matches how people manage money today.

That is exactly what Gold on GCrypto offers: an easy gateway to digital gold, seamlessly integrated into the GCash ecosystem and built as an ideal first step into digital assets.

✅ Start for as low as PHP 200

Begin investing with a small amount and build your holdings through regular, affordable contributions, at your own pace.

✅ Secure and trusted

Offered through GCash, a vetted partner, every unit of digital gold is fully insured, certified, and backed by 100% physical gold stored in high-security vaults in Switzerland.

✅ Full control and visibility

Track your investment anytime, anywhere. Buy or sell 24/7 — no waiting periods, no guesswork, just real-time access.

In short: it is gold, upgraded for modern living.

Younger generations are no longer waiting for the “perfect time” or a big bank balance to invest. They are starting exactly where they are, with what they have. Digital gold captures that spirit: practical, accessible, and far less intimidating than traditional methods.

Every era has its defining trend. For young investors navigating an uncertain economy, gold is having its moment — not as an unattainable luxury, but as an investment that finally meets people where they are.

Ready to own digital gold?

Open the GCash app, go to Invest, then select GCrypto > Gold to start building your portfolio. Download GCash from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.

Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

Empowering Employees to Be “Wais sa Life”: Home Credit Champions Financial Wellness

Home Credit Philippines strengthens workforce resilience through targeted financial literacy workshops 

Employees at the financial literacy workshop with Home Credit Chief People Officer Barbara Mecua (front row, third from left). The session held at the Vertis Office was facilitated by Kimmy Batallones (front row, second from left).

While financial literacy in the Philippines continues to improve, a significant gap remains when it comes to true financial resilience. According to the 2025 Consumer Finance and Inclusion Survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), about 74% of Filipino adults can correctly answer basic financial literacy questions—an encouraging rise from 69% in 2021. However, only 30% have sufficient savings to weather emergencies or income disruptions, and just 43% express satisfaction with their current financial standing.

Recognizing this critical challenge, Home Credit Philippines recently hosted a series of financial wellness workshops for employees across its National Capital Region offices. Centered on the theme “Building a Financially Secure Future,” these sessions aimed to equip team members to be truly “Wais sa Life”—or smart in life—by teaching them how to plan strategically, strengthen their money management habits, and safeguard their hard-earned income.

The workshops were led by respected financial advocates Fitz Villafuerte and Kimmy Batallones, widely known online as “Your Adulting Companion.” The initiative was intentionally scheduled to align with the celebration of International Women’s Month, underscoring the company’s recognition of women as central pillars in household financial management and decision-making.

“At Home Credit, we believe that financial wellness starts within our own home. That is why we prioritize equipping our employees with the financial confidence they need—building a workforce capable of making sound, informed decisions that extend well beyond the workplace,” shared Barbara Mecua, Chief People Officer at Home Credit. “We want our people to be financially resilient, so they can lead by example and serve as genuine ‘Wais’ ambassadors for the brand.”

Following the sessions, employees shared valuable insights and personal takeaways. Rea Sumbe Jr., Complaints Specialist, noted a key realization: “Gusto ko nang mag-set ng goal kasi ayun pala ‘yung pinaka-importante” (I want to start setting goals now, because it turns out that is the most important part).

Meanwhile, April Vallejo, CRM Complaints Specialist, emphasized the value of stepping up: “Hindi mo alam kung ano ‘yung kaya mong gawin kapag hindi mo tinake ‘yung challenge sa next level” (You do not know what you are truly capable of achieving until you take the challenge to the next level).

To date, Home Credit has reached over 30 million Filipinos—both online and on the ground—through its financial wellness programs, helping customers develop healthier money habits and make informed financial choices. The company ensures this same commitment applies internally, providing employees with the knowledge and confidence necessary to achieve long-term financial stability.

Beyond its ongoing mission to support holistic wellness for both staff and customers, Home Credit also advocates for community building, connection, and everyday progress. This commitment was highlighted recently during the successful run of Takbo #ParaSaLife, held in both Manila and Cebu.

For more updates and information about Home Credit Philippines, visit the official website at www.homecredit.ph, or download the Home Credit App. You may also follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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

Girl Dad or Boy Dad? Find the Perfect Cake Match for Every Kind of Dad

Some dads excel at tea parties and dance recitals. Others turn ordinary afternoons into wrestling matches or basketball games. And then there are those who somehow do it all!

This is exactly why the online conversation around “Girl Dad vs. Boy Dad” strikes such a chord—it captures the countless unique ways fathers show their love. Some are soft and comforting; others are playful and energetic. Some offer quiet support from the sidelines, while others light up every room they enter. 

As it turns out, the very best things in life are beautifully layered.

On May 31, Red Ribbon introduces the new Tiramisu Cloud Cake: a dreamy blend of coffee, cream, and cocoa, crafted to reflect the many wonderful sides of fatherhood.

What’s Your Dad’s Vibe? Here’s His Perfect Match: 

🚗 The “Hatid-Sundo No Matter What” Dad

Always ensures everyone gets home safe, no matter how late it gets.

Tiramisu Match: The cream cheese layer—comforting, familiar, and utterly dependable.

🏀 The “Game Kahit Pagod” Dad

Still ready to play, bond, and create lasting memories, even after a long, tiring day.

Tiramisu Match: The bold, rich coffee notes—energizing, distinct, and full of character.

🤍 The “Tahimik Pero Present” Dad

He may not say much, but he always shows up exactly when it matters most.

Tiramisu Match: The smooth cocoa finish—subtle and gentle, yet leaves a lasting impression.

✨ The “Girl Dad AND Boy Dad” Dad

Survives glitter makeup sessions and roughhousing in the backyard—all in the same day.

Tiramisu Match: The complete Tiramisu Cloud Cake—perfectly layered, balanced, and soft yet rich in every way.

Together, these elements create a treat that feels light, comforting, and thoughtfully balanced in every single bite. 

Priced starting at just ₱250 for the petite size, the new Red Ribbon Tiramisu Cloud Cake makes this Father’s Day celebration even more meaningful—and absolutely delicious.

So… what kind of dad are you honoring this year?