BPI unveils new eco-friendly Debit Mastercard, made from 100% recycled materials

BPI launches its new Debit Mastercard made from 100% recycled,

PVC-free plastic—promoting more sustainable everyday banking.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has launched its new Debit Mastercard made from 100% recycled, PVC-free plastic, reinforcing the bank’s push for more sustainable banking solutions. 

The new Debit Mastercard is free for clients who open an account through a BPI branch, as well as for existing clients whose cards are nearing expiry or due for renewal. Clients who wish to switch to the new recycled, PVC-free card outside of their renewal schedule may do so for a standard Php 200 replacement fee.

BPI is among the leading issuers of debit cards in the country, with over 8.2 million debit cardholders nationwide. The launch of the new eco-friendly BPI Debit Mastercard makes another milestone in the bank’s drive to offer Filipinos more responsible and future-ready financial solutions.

“Reimagining the BPI Debit Mastercard to become an eco-friendly card is a testament to BPI’s commitment to its values of sustainability and innovation. At BPI, we want to connect more with our eco-conscious clients while also encouraging others to practice sustainable habits. By using sustainable materials for our card, we hope to make sustainable behavior the default option for everyone,” said Jenny Lacerna, Head of Mass Retail, BPI.

Clients can request the new card through the BPI app or BPI online and selecting their preferred branch for pickup. A Php 200 fee applies to all card requests made through these digital channels. Those replacing an existing card only need to block their current one in the BPI app to start the replacement process. Cards are available for pickup at any BPI branch within two to six banking days, depending on location. Clients may also visit any branch for assistance.

Beyond sustainability, the card also features thoughtful design enhancements—including a curved notch at the bottom left corner that helps users identify and orient their card by touch, improving accessibility and making it easier to distinguish from other cards.

With the new card, BPI Debit Mastercard holders can continue to enjoy the trusted convenience and security they rely on—secure payments online, in-store, and abroad; contactless transactions; easy access to cash via ATMs worldwide; and 24/7 account control through the BPI app.

“The BPI Debit Mastercard is still the same card that our clients rely on—stylish, secure, and now more sustainable,” added Lacerna.

Through innovations like the eco-friendly Debit Mastercard, BPI continues to champion sustainability while delivering practical, inclusive, and accessible banking solutions for Filipinos. 

A Mega Brunch Celebration at Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Dine, brunch, and celebrate your Sunday without limits as Solaire Resort Entertainment City pulls out all the stops for a mega indulgence on March 15, from 11:30AM to 3:30PM. Mega Brunch is Solaire’s largest brunch collaboration, bringing together five signature restaurants in one shared space for a one-day-only, all-inclusive feast. Guests can savor exclusive creations from Finestra, Red Lantern, Oasis, Fresh, and Waterside, each presenting unique dishes. Guests can also meet the chefs behind each restaurant, whose creativity and dedication shape every dish into a remarkable dining experience. 

The extraordinary brunch experience starts at the Caviar and Oyster Station. Fresh oysters are meticulously shucked and served on ice, complemented by pink peppercorn mignonette, fragrant lemongrass velouté, citrus wedges, and horseradish for a vibrant mix of flavor. An exceptional caviar selection features Beluga, Ossetra, Salmon roe, Tobiko, and Bottarga. Paired with traditional garnishes of finely chopped egg yolk and white, chives, blinis, sour cream, lemon, and shallots, each spoonful transforms every bite into a lavish expression of elegance and taste.

Enjoy a glass of Prosecco as you explore the themed culinary stations set across the lobby, each presenting its own unique flavors and live preparations, thoughtfully crafted to elevate the experience from start to finish.

Finestra offers a generous carving station with hearty Lasagna Bolognese, Seabass Acqua Pazza, tender Ossobuco, crispy Pork Milanese, and creamy Risotto ai Funghi. A live Carbonara station at the wheel adds a touch of theatre, where pasta is tossed to perfection before your eyes. Try a variety of pizza flavors at the Pizza Bar like Margherita, Ai Funghi, Diavola, Capricciosa, Quattro Formaggi, and Salmone Affumicato, each crafted with authentic flavors and premium ingredients for a truly satisfying Italian feast.

Follow the smoke! The Western spread at Waterside takes a bold turn at the carving station. Savor Giant Wagyu Smashed Burgers that melt in your mouth, alongside the show-stopping 2-Meter Solaire Hotdog crafted for sharing. Guests can also enjoy Slow-Cooked Beef Prime Rib, expertly prepared for tenderness and flavor, as well as Boneless Herb-Crusted Lamb Saddle, carved to perfection. 

Red Lantern offers a wide array of Dim Sum favorites like siomai, hakaw, char siu bao, xiao long bao, baked pork buns, spring rolls, deep-fried wontons, and chocolate sesame pandas. At the live station, guests can try the Peking Duck Bao, featuring crispy duck layered with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and scallions tucked into soft bao buns. Hearty stir-fried noodles with wagyu beef add richness and depth, while each offering reflects the balance of flavor, technique, and heritage that defines this beloved culinary tradition.

At Fresh, seafood lovers will delight in a lavish spread of prawns, king crab, Boston lobster, scallops, mussels, clams, curacha, swimmer crab, baby calamari, squid, and octopus. At the Raw Fish Bar live station is tuna, salmon, seabass, king fish, barramundi, and hamachi – all freshly prepared as sashimi, tartare, ceviche, tiradito, and yuzu kosho specialties. You can also have your favorite seafood grilled to your liking at the Grilled Seafood Bar to bring out their rich, smoky flavors.

Save room and then make even more room because Oasis unveils a mega dessert spectacle! A towering six-foot donut wall sets the scene with cookies & cream, Biscoff, chocolate sprinkle, coconut, pistachio, and brownie flavors! Build your own bingsu just the way you like it, piled high with indulgent toppings and silky shaved ice. The spread continues with an elegant yet lavish parade of sweets like delicate vanilla panna cotta, indulgent rum baba, the signature Solaire chocolate cake, airy mango chiffon, both New York and Basque cheesecakes, classic tiramisu, honey cake, vanilla millefeuille, cannelé de Bordeaux, and an irresistible selection of éclairs. It’s a grand finale designed to delight every sweet craving, bold, beautiful, and unapologetically indulgent.

More than just a buffet, Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s Mega Brunch is an experience designed for connection. Families gather, friends toast to the weekend, and the lobby comes alive with the warmth of shared moments. Live culinary stations and interactive elements add to the energy, while free-flowing beverages and sweet finales encourage guests to linger just a little longer.

Secure your tickets now at https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=MEGABRUN26. For more information, visit https://sec.solaireresort.com/mega-brunch 

Kickstart your ‘Hobbymaxing Era’ with these 5 new hobbies

The best time to start something new isn’t always January 1st— it’s the exact second inspiration hits your feed. We’re officially in the “Hobbymaxing Era,” where the goal isn't instant perfection but getting into the vibe of creating, finding your community, and sharing the whole journey with your circle of friends and loved ones.

 

Being a hobbymaxer means wielding every tool at your disposal to turn "I want to try that" bookmark into a "Look what I just did” post. And to empower you in every step of your journey, you can count on Smart Prepaid’s Daily Data offers to give you the ultimate flexibility to stay connected on your own terms, making it so much easier to turn your digital inspo into your own reality.

 

Ready to level up? Here are five new hobbies to go all-in on while you find your new obsession:

 

1. Creative Journaling

Journaling has evolved far beyond the traditional diary into a highly visual and aesthetic playground. By mixing writing with stickers, sketches, and mood tracking, you’re turning a blank page into your own creative outlet. Pro-tip: dive into the world of "journal flips" on social media whenever you need a fresh hit of inspo for your next entry.

 

2. Social Running Clubs

Forget the solitary grind; running is now a vibrant, shared lifestyle. Casual run clubs prioritize movement and human connection over personal bests. By syncing shared playlists and fitness apps, you’re turning a workout into a collective social experience.

 

3. Micro-Content Creation

You don’t need to be a professional influencer to enjoy the art of storytelling. Short vlogs, "day in the life" clips, and photo dumps allow you to document your passions without the pressure of a massive production. It’s a creative outlet that grows as you do.

 

4. Low-Pressure Podcasting

Podcasting is the new modern safe space for sharing your voice, whether it's your solo reflections or casual chats with friends. With just a smartphone and reliable data, you can record and upload the moment inspiration hits, making storytelling more accessible than ever.

 

5. Interactive Home Cooking

The kitchen is officially a hub for digital-to-physical creativity. From nostalgic comfort food to the latest viral culinary trends, short-form videos make it easy to master new techniques and feed your digital community.

 

#FlexYourDay with Smart Prepaid

Many of today’s hobbies begin with a quick search, a scroll, or a stream, and Smart Prepaid’s Daily Data is there to power all those real and unscripted hobbymaxing moments. It’s all about giving you the freedom to #FlexYourDay and support those spontaneous everyday moments where you decide to dive deeper into a new passion, learn a skill on the fly, and enjoy every single day to the fullest.

 

With Daily Data, you can choose anywhere from 500 MB to 3 GB of data per day and pick a validity of 3, 7, 14, or 28 days depending on how you want to make the most of your hobbies. Each Daily Data offer also comes with allocations for texts and calls, so all your connectivity needs are covered.

 

To avail of the Daily Data offer that suits your hobbies, simply log in to the Smart App or purchase via the Smart Online Store and accredited retailers, e-wallets, and convenience stores nationwide.

To know more about Smart Prepaid offers, visit smart.com.ph and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. 

Hershey Philippines Unveils ‘Love for Every Bar’: A Digitally Interactive Tribute to Love and Empowerment

HERSHEY’S Limited-Edition Packaging celebrating Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day

MANILA, Philippines — Hershey Philippines, a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, is raising a toast to love and empowerment with the launch of its “Love for Every Bar” campaign. Timed for Valentine’s Day and International Women’s Day, this initiative builds on the success of the award-winning “Celebrate #HerSHE” and “She Inspires” movements by offering a tech-forward way to honor loved ones and inspirational women.

Love for Every Bar - A Digital Canvas for Heartfelt Connections

This season, Hershey’s transforms its iconic chocolate wrapper into a digital canvas. The “Love for Every Bar” limited-edition packaging invites consumers to go beyond traditional gifting by using interactive technology to share sincere, personalized messages across the nation.

“Love for Every Bar” is more than a gift—it is an experience. By scanning the QR code on the limited-edition wrapper or visiting https://celebratehershe.com/en, senders are directed to a seamless digital platform where they can create custom tributes.

How It Works: Personalization Powered by AI

Hershey’s has introduced two creative ways to customize your gift via QR code on Limited Edition Packaging Bars:

The Microsite allows consumers to upload the photos and generate a customized e-card and a personalized message

• Cartoon E-Card Personalization: Senders can upload a photo that AI transforms into a playful cartoon persona. Senders can add a short message which the animated character will "speak" directly to the recipient. These personalized cards can be downloaded and shared, creating a lasting digital keepsake.

• AR Messaging: For a touch of magic, the AR (Augmented Reality) option allows senders to select heartfelt presets. The recipient unlocks this immersive AR experience simply by scanning the physical bar.

Say It Your Way with Hershey’s

Hershey’s approach in this campaign is a different kind of gifting—one that empowers you to say it your way.  It celebrates not just the major milestones, but the personal stories and everyday efforts that shape our lives. The campaign represents a shift in modern gifting, blending the physical joy of chocolate with your own digital expression of sentiment. It acknowledges the dedication of the strength of personal bonds, making it easier than ever to share a "sweet" thought that is uniquely yours and lingers long after the chocolate is gone.

Availability

Experience love and empowerment today. The Hershey’s limited-edition “Love for Every Bar” chocolates are available now at leading supermarkets and grocery stores outlets nationwide. Star 

World Travel Expo Kicks Off Media Preview Ahead of 10th Anniversary Event

 The World Travel Expo hosted an exclusive Media Lunch today at Savory, SM Light, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City, giving journalists and industry partners a first look at the highly anticipated 10th anniversary event happening on March 6 to 8, 2026 at SM North Edsa The Block.

The luncheon highlighted what makes this milestone edition special: exclusive event-only travel deals, destination showcases, and opportunities for exhibitors to connect directly with Filipino travelers. Organizers emphasized the expo’s role as a trusted platform for both established and emerging travel businesses, helping them gain visibility, drive bookings, and form meaningful partnerships.

 

Over the past decade, World Travel Expo has connected tourism brands, travel service providers, and travelers nationwide. The Media Lunch also recognized the critical role of media partners in sharing these stories and inspiring Filipinos to explore with confidence.

The Year 10 edition promises a dynamic and immersive experience, featuring raffles, promotions, interactive destination presentations, and expanded participation from airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, and tour operators.

World Travel Expo remains committed to empowering exhibitors, supporting the travel industry, and inspiring Filipinos to discover more.

In Loving Memory of Yang (2012–2026)

There are cats who pass through your life, and then there are cats who become part of your life story. Yang was the latter.

For fourteen years, she was not just a pet. She was a constant. She was there before so many milestones, and she stayed through every chapter that followed. She watched a house become a home. She saw love grow. She saw a family form.

She had the rare gift of presence. She slept beside me for years, often on my head, claiming her spot without apology. She would gently poke me awake, as if reminding me that the day had already begun and she expected to be part of it. She stayed nearby, always within reach, always within sight. Her soulful eyes carried a quiet understanding, the kind only a long-time companion can hold.

Yangyang witnessed every season of my life. She was there when I got married. She was there when my child was born. She watched over my children when they were sick, keeping silent vigil in the room. When K came into the world, she was already there, observing, accepting, guarding. She welcomed my husband in her own unforgettable way, leaving him with a little “boop” on the nose, and then, over time, claiming his chest as her resting place. He pretended to dislike it, but now he misses it.

She was my first official cat. I did not know then how deeply a cat could anchor a person. I did not know that fourteen years later, losing her would feel like losing a family member all over again.

This year, I had quietly prepared myself. Fourteen is a long life for a cat. I knew it could be the year. I just did not expect it to be this early. I thought we still had time. I was planning to buy her a new costume, a better cat tree, a softer bed. I thought there would be more days to spoil her.

On her final day, I struggled to face the reality. Part of me hoped she would simply pass in her sleep. Not because I wanted her gone, but because I did not want her to struggle. I did not want to see her fight for breath. I avoided looking at her too long because I did not want to cry again.

But I went back. I spoke to her one more time.

I told her I loved her. I thanked her for everything. I told her she could go, that Mommy would be okay.

I thought she had already slipped away. Then she heard my voice. She gave one last breath. One last small kick. I did not realize in that moment that it was goodbye.

Now I understand. She waited.

She waited to hear my voice one last time.

Yangyang lived fourteen full years, wrapped in love. She was cuddled, cared for, spoken to, and cherished. She grew old in a home where she was never unwanted, never unseen. She left this world after hearing that she was loved and that it was okay to rest.

There is pain in this loss. There is the ache of an empty space on my pillow. The silence where her paws used to move. The absence of those familiar eyes looking back at me. There is the weight of knowing she will never poke me awake again.

But there is also gratitude.

Gratitude for every ordinary day she made sacred simply by being there. Gratitude for fourteen years of loyalty. Gratitude that her final breath was not alone, but accompanied by love.

Yangyang was the sweetest cat. The best cat. My first cat. My constant companion.

She was family.

Last week I held her one last time. The years she gave me cannot be taken. The memories cannot be erased. The love does not disappear simply because her body has.

Thank you, Yangyang.
For watching over my children.
For loving our family.
For staying beside me through every phase of my life.
For choosing us for fourteen beautiful years.

You can rest now.

Mommy will be okay. Not now but eventually. For now, I will grieve you but I will also set you free. 

Anko workshop turns Valentine’s Day into a creative family and besties date

— Anko brought a different take on Valentine’s Day to TriNoma with an intimate Galentine’s Workshop alongside a series of weekend card-making sessions for Anko Club members, inviting friends and loved ones to slow down, get creative, and celebrate each other.

Held on February 14, the session brought together Anko Club members for a hands-on afternoon of card-making with the Weekend Watercolor Circle, led by its founder, Vergel Gregorio, using Anko’s arts-and-crafts materials that guests could easily recreate at home. Guests also enjoyed arranging their own Valentine’s Day flower bouquets with guidance from Cecil Basco of Petal Corner Flower Bar, using Anko ceramic mini vases as styling accents. 

The celebration continued throughout the day with extra treats for Anko Club members, including free Anko balloons for transacting members and complimentary candle calligraphy with a minimum purchase of ₱500.

These workshops highlight how the Australian home and lifestyle brand’s everyday affordable and quality finds, from craft supplies and candles to small home décor pieces, can be used to create meaningful moments with family and friends.

Embodying the belief that love is best expressed every day rather than just on one-day occasions, Anko is extending the creativity with ‘Make Your Own Valentine’s Card’ activities for kids and families every weekend from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM until the end of February in its stores at Glorietta 2, TriNoma, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Ayala Malls Feliz.

To join these exclusive workshops and discover more thoughtful gifts all year round, download the Anko app and sign up for the Anko Club at anko.com/anko-club. Follow @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok for updates on workshop schedules and more thoughtful ways to make everyday living brighter

Thoughtful gifting beyond Valentine’s Day

While Valentine’s Day is a highlight, Anko believes love should be celebrated throughout the month. The products showcased during the Galentine’s Workshop are curated for thoughtful gifting beyond a single date. These practical, quality, and affordable finds are designed to make everyday living brighter long after February 14. This includes the watercolor tools featured in our session—perfect as gifts for artists or as an invitation for loved ones to bond over a new creative hobby.

Product Name	Photo
Chrome Look Trinket Bowls The perfect gift for the anik-anik lover who needs a stylish landing spot for their treasures. These chic bowls are designed to hold keys, jewelry, and everyday essentials, instantly tidying up a space while adding a bright touch to any room.
Ceramic Mini Vases The perfect gift for the Plantita or Plantito who loves a modern aesthetic. With their unique, abstract silhouettes, these vases turn plants into a statement piece, adding a fresh and artistic touch to the home.
Scallop Glass Candles (Purple & Green) The perfect gift for candle lovers who like a chic edge to their home décor.  They serve double duty as fragrant candles and stylish décor pieces, with playful, wavy silhouettes that brighten up dinner settings or quiet nights at home.
Assorted Candles (Cherry, Mixed Fruits, Flower, Strawberry) The perfect gift for loved ones who adore bold accents and vibrant vibes. These candles bring a pop of bright color and strong, fruity scents to any space, making them a fun and refreshing addition to any home.
Mediterranean Stripe Candles (Limone, Olivo, and Pamodoro) The perfect gift for the travel dreamer who loves bringing an international touch to their home.  With their striped designs and distinct scents, these candles add a touch of European summer flair to the home.
Self-Care, Happiness & Manifest Glass Candles The perfect gift for the loved one who deserves to hit "pause."  More than just a scent, these are a thoughtful invitation to slow down, indulge in happiness, and manifest brighter days.
Sketch Artist Pad The perfect gift for the memory keeper who sees art in the everyday. Whether sketching or drawing, this pad is the ideal canvas for capturing daily moments through creativity.
Watercolour Art Set (36 Pack) and A3 Watercolour Artist Pack The perfect gift for your artsy friends, children, or partner, ready to bond over a new hobby. The paints and art pad are beginner-friendly invitations to explore a new creative passion or continue a love affair with watercolors.
Painting Essentials (All Media Brush Set, Paint Palette Set & Mini Paint Your Own Canvas) The perfect gift for: The creative soul who loves incorporating art into their everyday routines. These products provide everything needed to transform a casual afternoon into a meaningful session of artistic expression.