With a decades-long commitment to telling Filipino stories, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) is once again redefining the power of People’s Theater. This April, PETA’s Control + Shift: Changing Narratives returns to the PETA Studio Theater from April 10 to 19, 2026. Featuring a “StudioLab” of fresh stories and restaging classics, the showcase invites audiences to reclaim the Filipino narrative.
Since its successful 2024 debut, followed by a month-long festival in 2025, Control + Shift: Changing Narrativeshas been pushing the boundaries of what theater can be. Through a unique collaboration between PETA artists, students, and community partners, this year’s StudioLab continues to tackle the tough questions of our time. It’s a creative space designed for crafting stories that confront the present, hold space for healing, and envision more humane and democratic futures.
This year, Control + Shift: Changing Narratives StudioLab presents two new works, a product of the PETA Artist-Teacher Training, alongside two returning pieces from last year’s festival, including one developed with a theater group from a community partner. The lineup includes:
Set A: When Power Falls into our Hands
In a classroom and a workplace, people discover how easily violence, corruption, and silence can become normalized. But when power falls into our hands, we also face a choice: to comply with the system or to interrupt it.
CLEANERS Playwright: Jhudiel Clare Sosa Director: Julio Garcia
A group of senior high students discovers that their graduation depends not just on cleaning classrooms but on how far they’re willing to go when violence, power, and truth land in their hands.
A forum theatre piece that follows Jaylord, a rookie waiter hoping to win his boss’s favor through a Christmas monito-monita gift, only to uncover how seemingly harmless acts can feed into the larger, corrupt palakasan system—until one brave decision challenges the cycle.
Set B: When Care Becomes Survival
In war-torn landscapes and communities living at the edge of disaster, care becomes something embodied… shared through faith, ritual, play, and collective endurance.
Tanghalang Bagong Sibol’s AT NAGKATAWANG-TAO ANG VERBO (Restaging)
Playwright: Mikaela Regis Director: Anthony Cruz
In a small urban fishing community along Ilog Tullahan, religious icons and biblical imagery come alive—not as distant saints, but as reflections of the people themselves—revealing how faith becomes flesh in the daily struggle for dignity, livelihood, and hope.
BAGA NG GUMUGUHONG LANGIT Playwright: Anj Heruela Director: Ian Segarra
Amid the chaos of war, orphaned children fight to survive in a world that has forgotten them, begging for care from communities pushed to the fragile edges of survival.
BE PART OF THE SHIFT!
Tickets are now available via Ticket2Me or bit.ly/CS2026Tickets. Rates are at Php 700 per set.
For more updates, follow @petatheater on social media.
Cooking has changed, and Del Monte Kitchenomics understands exactly how
Between packed schedules, school runs, rising grocery prices, and the daily question of “Ano na naman ang ulam?”, Filipino home cooks today face challenges that go far beyond time. Meals must be practical, budget-friendly, family-approved, and nourishing all at once.
Recognizing this new reality, Del Monte Philippines introduces the Del Monte Kitchenomics Cookbook: Centennial Edition, a thoughtfully curated collection designed to give Filipino families the confidence and joy to cook. Perfect for quick everyday meals or even for meaningful celebrations.
More than a commemorative piece marking Del Monte’s 100th year, this limited-edition cookbook reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to nourishing the nation by making every day cooking easier, more accessible, and more rewarding.
Recipes Built for Real Life
Today’s kitchens are busy spaces. Home cooks juggle work, family, budgets, and evolving tastes. The Centennial Edition responds directly to these realities with recipes that reflect how Filipinos cook now: quicker preparation, flexible ingredients, minimal tools, and practical techniques without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
The collection features a diverse range of dishes designed for convenience and enjoyment:
Quick weeknight solutions like One-Pot Chicken Biryani and Rice Cooker Beef Gyudon
Restaurant-style favorites such as Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich and Chili Caldereta Shrimp
Innovative fusion creations including Lomi Carbonara and Spaghetti a la Tteokbokki
Comfort food with a twist like Seafood Stew and Sinigang na Hipon sa Pinya
“This centennial collection was thoughtfully developed to reignite the joy of home cooking by addressing the real pain points of today’s Filipino home cook,” shares Chef Meg Victorino, Executive Chef of Del Monte Philippines. “We understand the everyday challenges of managing budgets, meeting your kids’ tastes, and finding time amid busy schedules. This cookbook provides balanced, versatile recipes that help expand home menus while keeping cooking enjoyable.”
Familiar comfort dishes are also reimagined to be more efficient and accessible , helping cooking feel less like pressure and more like pleasure.
Crafted by Culinary Voices Filipinos Trust
The Centennial Edition is powered by some of the most respected names in Filipino cuisine. Leading the lineup is Chef Meg Victorino and the Del Monte Culinary Solutions Kitchen Team, it features Kitchenomics chefs across generations: Chef Sandy Daza, Chef Rob Pengson, Chef Jackie Ang Po, and Chef RV Manabat.
Together, they designed recipes that address modern cooking challenges. Instead of complicated techniques, the cookbook focuses on approachable, flexible meals that work for real Filipino households.
According to Del Monte Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Sharon Tanganco, the cookbook was created to serve every occasion.
“Whether you’re pressed for time on a busy weekday or preparing something special to celebrate a milestone, this centennial collection gives Filipino home cooks the confidence to prepare good food their families will love and enjoy together.”
More Than Recipes — A Kitchen Companion for Today
Beyond its pages, the Centennial Edition reflects Del Monte’s larger mission: helping Filipinos cook better, eat better, and feel more confident in the kitchen. By offering recipes that respond to everyday realities, it empowers households to create nourishing meals without added stress. It’s not about cooking perfectly. It’s about cooking sustainably for your lifestyle.
A Collector’s Edition Made for Everyday Use
While it marks an important milestone in Del Monte’s 100-year history, its true value lies in everyday use: splattered pages, bookmarked favorites, and meals shared at the family table. Because in today’s world, the best recipes aren’t just delicious. They’re the ones that fit modern life.
Priced at Php 625, the limited-edition Del Monte Kitchenomics Centennial Cookbook is now available in major bookstores: National Bookstore, Fully Booked, and Book Sale in Metro Manila. Coming soon to provincial branches!
Also available on Summit Books’ official online stores on:
A sustainable point‑to‑point service offering Libreng Sakay to the patrons of Robinsons Galleria and Bridgetowne Destination Estate. Operating from 6 AM to 8 PM with a capacity of 30–35 passengers, this PWD‑friendly service will run 8 trips per unit per day and will operate 7 days a week, excluding holidays. Pick‑up points will be located at Robinsons Galleria’s steel parking lay‑by and between Tera Tower and Opus Mall in Bridgetowne Destination Estate. The Libreng Sakay initiative supports modern, eco‑friendly mobility for the public which will be launched this summer.
(L-R) Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr, MMDA Deputy Chairman; Sigfrido Tinga, GET Philippines President; Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, Robinsons Land President and CEO; Faraday D. Go, Robinsons Land EVP and Group Business Unit General Manager; Atty. Romando S. Artes, MMDA Chairman; Atty. Victor Nuñez, MMDA Legal Counsel; and Bambie L. Andal, Robinsons Land VP for PPP
CHAGEE is welcoming its first Philippine summer with a refreshing, fruity splash from the latest addition to its local lineup of high-quality tea offerings. The global milk tea sensation is now bringing to Manila its internationally loved Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series—infused with real fruit flavors and refreshing brewed tea—ready to turn up Pinoys’ 2026 summer escapades with the ultimate tag-init refreshment.
Following enthusiastic reception in key markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United States, CHAGEE is bringing the Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series to the Philippines, perfectly timed for the hot season’s craving for refreshing sips to beat the summer heat.
More than a seasonal drop, the Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series is a permanent addition to CHAGEE’s lineup of high-quality teas in the Philippines. The latest tea series is the third internationally beloved flavor that the tea chain has brought to the market since the local debut of its global best-sellers at its Manila launch last August. Following the success of Cocoa Oolong Milk Tea introduced in December 2025, CHAGEE kicked off 2026 with the arrival of Peach Oolong Milk Tea in January and the Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series this summer. The brand’s newest offerings reinforce CHAGEE’s commitment to elevating Filipinos’ premium tea experience, promising to give tea lovers a refreshing staple they can enjoy all year round.
A Refreshing Twist on CHAGEE favorites
CHAGEE’s Iced Lemon Fruit Tea collection is crafted to deliver crisp, clean, and revitalizing refreshment. Lemon-infused iced tea has long been a familiar and well-loved staple in the Philippines, synonymous with cooling refreshment during warm, sun-soaked days. CHAGEE reimagines this classic with its signature premium tea craftsmanship, elevating a nostalgic favorite into a more refined summer beverage.
The summer series introduces three vibrant flavors: Jasmine Lemon Tea, Da Hong Pao Lemon Tea, and Glutinous Lemon Tea. The Peach Oolong Brewed Tea, the latest brewed tea offering, is also joining in on the summer fun.
Each beverage carries CHAGEE’s signature tea DNA: high-quality and authentic tea leaves, precise brewing techniques, and balanced flavor profiles, now expressed in a lighter and more refreshing drink. The result is a lineup that feels both familiar and elevated, perfectly attuned to the Philippine summer.
The Jasmine Lemon Tea pairs premium jasmine green tea with crisp lemon juice, delivering a bright, citrus-forward flavor with a delicate floral finish. Da Hong Pao Lemon Tea combines bold, roasted da hong pao tea leaves with zesty lemon for a rich but balanced aromatic experience. Glutinous Lemon Tea blends high-mountain green tea with the subtle sweetness of glutinous rice aroma, perfectly complemented by a refreshing lift of lemon.
Completing the summer Fruit Tea series from the brewed tea lineup is the Peach Oolong Brewed Tea, a robust yet refreshing option that highlights fragrant oolong tea with gently roasted notes, complemented by a subtle peach sweetness. The result is a full-bodied, aromatic brew designed for slow sips and warm summer days.
“We are thrilled to introduce our much-anticipated Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series—a new category that pairs authentic and high-quality tea bases with real fruit flavors, setting a new, higher standard for the ultimate summer refreshment,” shares CHAGEE Philippines General Manager, Christopher “Sonny” Tiong. “Here in the Philippines, refreshment isn’t optional—it’s a must. That’s why we’re excited to make the Iced Lemon Fruit Tea series a permanent part of our menu, giving every Filipino a lighter, brighter, and more refreshing drink infused with CHAGEE’s trusted tea DNA.”
Premium, Insta-worthy CHAGEE Summer Essentials
CHAGEE is making summer even more delightful with limited-time promos and exclusive collectibles, elevating the summer tea experience beyond the cup with fun, functional, and premium lifestyle pieces. From March 13 to 31, walk-in customers and CHAGEE app customers are treated to a FREE Lemon Leather Charm with a purchase of any 3 Large Iced Lemon Fruit Teas. Grab customers can also get their hands on the charm with a PHP 199 top-up.
Customers can also get a chance to take home a Summer Drawstring Pouch for every purchase of 1 Large Iced Lemon Fruit Tea with a top-up of PHP 499 and PHP 599 for Grab users.
CHAGEE’s merch dominance doesn’t end there! Customers can also take home CHAGEE’s summer-exclusive Bucket Hat with a purchase of 1 Large Iced Lemon Fruit Tea and a top-up of PHP 699 for walk-in and CHAGEE app orders, and PHP 799 for Grab users.
Beat the heat with these promos
Beyond merchandise bundle deals, customers can also enjoy CHAGEE’s Iced Lemon Fruit Tea Treat promo!
For its special 3-day sale starting March 5-8, CHAGEE app users can enjoy a PHP 50 off on any Large Lemon Tea. The fun does not stop for CHAGEE app users because from March 9 to 31, customers can earn stamps for every cup purchase and get a FREE PHP 50 off on their 4th stamp. They also get a PHP 150 OFF voucher on their 8th stamp.
From March 9 to 15, customers can choose any 4 Large Lemon Fruit Teas and get at least PHP 133 off their total basket, exclusively for Grab orders only.
For more updates on upcoming launches, store openings, and member exclusives, follow CHAGEE Philippines on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
ASUS today announced the Philippine launch of its latest premium Copilot+ PC laptops, theZenbook S16 (UM5606GA)andZenbook 14 (UM3406GA), both equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processors and up to 50 NPU TOPS of AI performance. Designed for professionals and students who demand performance without sacrificing portability, the new Zenbook lineup showcases ASUS’ vision of intelligent, human-centric computing, where advanced AMD Ryzen™ AI capabilities, refined industrial design, and immersive user experiences come together seamlessly.
As AI becomes an integral part of everyday workflows, from productivity and collaboration to entertainment and security, ASUS continues to push the boundaries of thin-and-light laptops. The new Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 Copilot+ PCs represent interpretations of premium mobility, each optimized for different user needs while sharing the same foundation of powerful AI-driven performance.
ZENBOOK S16 (UM5606): 1.1CM OF PURE AI POWER – THE THINNEST ZENBOOK EVER
The Zenbook S16 marks a new evolution of large-screen ultraportable laptops, delivering exceptional performance and intelligence in a remarkably slim and lightweight form. Measuring just 1.1 cm thin and weighing only 1.5 kg, Zenbook S16 is engineered for users who need a bigger canvas for productivity and entertainment, without the bulk traditionally associated with 16-inch laptops.
Functional aesthetics with premium materials
Zenbook S16 exemplifies ASUS’ commitment to thoughtful design and material innovation. Its all-metal chassis is topped with a distinctive Ceraluminumlid, a proprietary ceramic-aluminum composite developed after years of research. This material offers the refined, tactile feel of ceramic while maintaining the strength and lightness of aluminum, with enhanced resistance to scratches and wear for long-term durability.
Available in Scandinavian White, the minimalist, Nordic-inspired aesthetic draws from natural textures and tones. The precision-engineered EasyLift hinge ensures smooth, stable opening angles with minimal wobble, while the full-size ASUS ErgoSense keyboard with dished keycaps delivers a comfortable and precise typing experience. A large touchpad with Smart Gesture support enables intuitive fingertip control for everyday tasks.
Slim, with pro-level power
At the heart of Zenbook S16 is an AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 processor, delivering up to 50 TOPS of NPU performance enabling faster image and video processing, smoother multitasking, improved video conferencing quality, and more responsive system behavior, all while maintaining excellent power efficiency. Combined with AMD Radeon graphics, 32GB LPDDR5X memory, and 1TB M.2 SSD storage, Zenbook S16 is built to handle demanding professional and creative tasks with ease.
Advanced thermal design and long-lasting endurance
Despite its slim profile, Zenbook S16 supports up to a28W CPU TDP, made possible by ASUS’ advanced Thincredible thermal architecture. The system features a CNC-machined 3D vapor chamber that is up to 37% larger than previous designs, paired with dual whisper-quiet IceBlade fans and optimized airflow channels. This ensures efficient heat dissipation under sustained workloads while keeping ambient noise levels below 25 dBA and maintaining comfortable keyboard temperatures.
Powering the device is a high-capacity 83 Wh battery, designed to support up to 21+ hours of productivity and creativity. Intelligent power management and the efficiency of the AMD Ryzen AI platform help balance performance and battery life, making Zenbook S16 a reliable companion for both office and on-the-go use.
Immersive visuals, audio, and connectivity
Entertainment and productivity come to life on the 16-inch 3K ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 500 nits peak brightness, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for productivity and entertainment. Audio is powered by a six-speaker Dolby Atmos system, consisting of four front-firing tweeters and dual woofers, delivering rich, immersive sound with impressive clarity and depth.
For connectivity, Zenbook S16 includes WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Master Premium certification, along with a comprehensive selection of full-size I/O ports, including dual USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, an SD card reader, and a standard audio jack, eliminating the need for dongles and adapters.
Intelligent privacy and security
Zenbook S16 is designed with modern security in mind. Features such as Windows Hello, ASUS AiSense IR camera, Adaptive Lock, Adaptive Dimming, Microsoft Pluton, Windows passkeys, and ASUS Voice Print technology work together to protect user data while enabling seamless, personalized access.
ZENBOOK 14 (UM3406): COMPACT AI POWER ON-THE-GO
The Zenbook 14is tailored for users who value portability, elegance, and everyday versatility. Weighing just 1.2 kg and measuring 14.9 mm thin, its sleek all-metal chassis in Jade Black color, making it an ideal companion for professionals and students constantly on the move.
Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 processor with up to 50 TOPS NPU and AMD Radeon graphics, Zenbook 14 delivers responsive performance while enabling Copilot+ PC AI features that enhance multitasking, collaboration, and productivity. With 16GB LPDDR5X memory and 1TB M.2 SSD storage, and WiFi 6E connectivity, it ensures fast and reliable performance wherever work takes place.
A long-lasting 75 Wh battery supports up to 25+ hours of extended unplugged use, while USB-C Easy Charge allows convenient recharging from compatible adapters, power banks, or power outlets.
Compact design, immersive experience
Zenbook 14 features a stunning 14-inch WUXGA ASUS Lumina OLED display with a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio, and an 87% screen-to-body ratio. The display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth motion — ideal for both work and entertainment.
Despite its compact form, Zenbook 14 includes a comprehensive set of full-size I/O ports, including USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 2.1 (TMDS), and a 3.5 mm audio jack, ensuring hassle-free connectivity without adapters.
The user experience is further enhanced by super-linear speakers with Dolby Atmos support, an FHD IR camera with a physical privacy shutter, AI noise cancelation, face login, and a new quiet ASUS ErgoSense keyboard designed for comfortable, distraction-free typing.
Refined usability for everyday productivity
Zenbook 14 is designed to deliver a smooth, intuitive experience throughout the day. A spacious ASUS ErgoSense touchpad provides precise control and comfortable palm rejection, while the integrated Copilot key offers instant access to Windows 11’s AI-powered assistance for faster workflows and smarter task management.
For communication and collaboration, the laptop is equipped with an FHD IR camera enhanced byASUS AI features, including automatic framing, eye contact correction, and AI noise cancelation for both microphone and speakers. These technologies help ensure clearer video calls and more natural conversations, whether users are working remotely or attending virtual meetings.
Security and convenience go hand in hand with Windows Hello facial login, allowing fast, password-free access, while the physical camera shutter provides instant peace of mind when privacy is required. Combined with its quiet keyboard, responsive performance, and immersive audiovisual capabilities, Zenbook 14 delivers a polished, distraction-free experience tailored for modern mobile professionals.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
The 2026 ASUS Zenbook S16 and Zenbook 14 are available in ASUS Stores nationwide. Each purchase also includes a complimentary Office 2024 Home lifetime license, plus a 1-year access to Microsoft 365 Basic with a free 1-year cloud storage, and theaward-winning ASUS Warranty – featuring 2-year International Warranty and ASUS Perfect Warranty with 1-year accidental damage protection.
All-day dining at Texas Roadhouse gets even better this March with Season 3 of its Texas-Sized Sets starting at P445.
Get a complete and well-rounded meal that includes an appetizer, entrée, and your choice of drink at a Texas Roadhouse near you. The latest update to the all-day offer lets you choose from the following appetizers:
Asian-style Beef & Mushroom soup
Sweet Potato Fritters
Orange Medley Salad +75
French Onion Dip+75
Pair it with a hefty entrée for a filling and delicious meal. Guests can select from the following choices:
Creamy Truffle Rigatoni
Garlic Caramelized Chicken
Chipotle Fried Fish Fillet
Smokehouse Apricot Bacon +100
Texas-Style Pork Loin Tapa +100
Round it out with your choice of Iced Tea or Green Tea Lychee, with the option for refillable drinks for an additional P65.
Don’t miss out on signature dishes like their hand-cut steaks that are flavorful, juicy, and well marbled. Steaks are grilled-to-order and come with two made-from-scratch sides.
Naturally, a visit to the restaurant will not be complete without the crowd favorite, the fluffy and buttery Texas Roadhouse bread best slathered with cinnamon butter. Need more? Have some complimentary peanuts.
And don’t forget the ribs! Since the 90s, Texas Roadhouse has consistently won many blue ribbons in rib-tasting contests across the United States. It goes through a 3-day process that ensures your ribs get to your plate-slooooow cooked, grilled to perfection, and covered in signature sauce. End a sumptuous meal with the signature Turtle pie or the new Rodeo Chocolate Rush for a sweet ending.
For chilling with colleagues, friends and family, the 2+1 Legendary Margarita offer hits the spot.
Make your meal a rodeo to remember, made even more special with an upbeat line dance by the cool staff and the signature Saddle Ride chant for birthday celebrants.
Avail of the latest Texas-Sized Sets all day, every day, at all Texas Roadhouse locations.
Baguio City came alive as Jollibee, the Philippines’ no. 1 fastfood chain, joined the vibrant Panagbenga Festival, delighting locals and tourists alike with a spectacular float, campus treats, and exclusive promos that added extra cheer to the City of Pines’ annual flower celebration.
“Panagbenga shows Baguio at its most beautiful, and Jollibee is proud to fill it with joy,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Whether it’s a float that amazes or treats that make every day special, our goal was simple, and that was to share joy with every person, everywhere.”
Building on its legacy of festival excellence, Jollibee participated in the large float competition with a spectacular floral masterpiece inspired by Cordilleran artistry. The float featured a miniature Stone Kingdom symbolizing the region’s creativity, a radiant cityscape in full bloom, a rotating Mines View observation deck showcasing Baguio’s scenic landscapes, and a giant Chickenjoy Bucket seemingly blossoming from a flower, capturing the festival’s playful and joyful spirit.
The celebration extended beyond the parade. Students at the University of the Philippines Baguio and the University of Baguio were delighted with free Crunchy Chicken Sandwiches and Iced Coffee, turning ordinary school days into moments of surprise and joy. Inside Jollibee stores, the Festival Treats Promo with Coca-Cola ran from February 27 to March 1, offering a free 1.5L Coke with every 8-piece Chickenjoy Bucket, while from February 27 to March 8, a free Go Large Coke was available with any Chickenjoy Value Meal.
Jollibee also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to bring its BEE Earth’s Best Friend campaign to Benguet, promoting sustainable practices. Customers who opted not to use plastic utensils for take-out or drive-thru orders from February 27 to March 27 were rewarded with incentives for future visits. Music fans enjoyed a lively appearance from Jollibee and Friends at the Coke Studio Concert at Melvin Jones Football Grounds on February 27.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to share their Jollibee moments on social media using #JolliPanagbenga2026 for a chance to be featured on the brand’s official channels.
Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head towww.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!
If your group chats have quietly rebranded themselves into “Siargao 2.0” or “Japan 2026,” that’s usually the cue: summer planning has officially begun. Flights are being shared. Leave credits are being filed. Outfit mood boards are slowly taking shape.
But here’s what’s different in 2026: trips don’t feel like spontaneous splurges anymore, they feel intentional.
According to recent findings, Millennials and Gen Z travelers aren’t just spending on travel. They’re planning earlier, booking more deliberately, and mapping out itineraries months ahead.
Vacations are being treated as something to build toward, not just swipe for. Financial preparation is becoming part of the process, right alongside Pinterest boards and shared spreadsheets.
That’s where Maya — the country’s #1 Digital Bank and leading all-in-one fintech platform — fits naturally into the picture. Because as the plans take shape, the travel fund should too.
Build the Fund Before You Book
Stress-free travelers don’t start saving two weeks before takeoff. They build dedicated funds early.
Whether it’s a cherry blossom reset, a long-overdue European milestone trip, or simply a beach escape, more users are setting up travel funds through Maya Personal Goals and contributing gradually over time. Instead of mixing airfare with grocery money, they separate everyday spending from future plans, ensuring rent money stays rent money, while travel money grows steadily in the background.
With Maya Personal Goals, users can create up to five separate savings targets and start earning 4% interest per annum immediately. Every ₱20,000 added boosts the interest rate, reaching up to 8% p.a. on deposits of up to ₱100,000, making it easier to grow funds faster without disrupting daily expenses.
Spend Strategically, Not Impulsively
Planning doesn’t mean stopping spending. It means making every spend work harder.
By keeping funds in Maya Savings and using Maya for everyday transactions, users can grow their savings while managing regular expenses. With up to 15% interest per annum and interest credited daily, your money doesn’t just sit, it grows consistently, day after day.
Spending, meanwhile, can also be strategic. The Maya Black Credit Card earns instant Maya Miles on all transactions: from flights and hotel bookings to groceries, bills, dining, and more. At Maya Black Preferred merchants, cardholders can earn up to 10X Maya Miles, helping rewards accumulate faster on select purchases.
Those Miles can later be used to offset future travel expenses, turning routine spending into practical value.
Frequent flyers also receive complimentary quarterly global lounge access, a tangible perk that upgrades departure days without the typical premium card fees. Globally accepted and designed for a digital-first lifestyle, the card complements how modern travelers move: cashless, connected, and prepared.
Even pre-trip dinners can work in your favor. Using the Maya Credit Card at participating restaurants gives up to 20% cashback straight to your Maya wallet, helping stretch budgets without cutting back on the send-off moments that make trips memorable.
Because optimizing spending doesn’t mean sacrificing joy. It means making it sustainable.
Summer memories feel better when they aren’t financed by future stress. So go ahead, book the flight, build the Pinterest board, plan the itinerary. Just make sure your travel fund is growing while you do.
Follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.
For many different reasons, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) courageously make a living abroad for years and oceans away from their loved ones. Most venture far in high hopes of greener pastures for their families. They confront homesickness, loneliness, culture shock, language barriers and (frustratingly) even racism in their everyday lives. Our migrant workers endure this altogether as they are driven by the struggle of life in the homeland.
Deemed as the country’s “modern day heroes”, their remittances play an integral role in the economy. There is then a strong sense of dependence by the government on the taxes collected from our “heroes”. Sensibly, one might expect that currencies entering the country would elevate the collective Filipino way of life, but that is not the case even after decades of waging OFWs.
Their presence (or absence) has been normalized. It has become routine to see them out to the airport and greet them with Duty Free goods — often every Christmas or New Year’s season. Before leaving the country, they treasure moments at home as best as they can through feasting, meaningful conversations, and nostalgia walks. As they prepare to leave again, they take memorabilia and a new set of memories to sustain them in their workplace.
The solution to this cyclic and systemic problem is often grazed upon. Although media representations of their narratives are well-documented and shared through films, news broadcasts, social media sites, and television series, the conversation is lacking in the space of theatre.
Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP) aims to offer treatises in filling this void. Their production in the works, Ang Kaliitan ng Kasalukuyan, was written and directed by Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature multi-awarded playwright and DUP Artistic Director, Arlo Deguzman. A returning alumni, not only does he head home and pay his services forward to his alma mater, but also picks up where he left in the country having been a migrant worker himself for almost two decades across fifty countries.
Written from a place of diasporic experience, the piece is a powerful and contemporary work that tackles the emotional landscape of and an ode to our OFWs. These stories, embodied in movement and lyric, aim to negotiate the melancholically veiled struggles of a migrant worker: a father’s frustration from unending remittances, a mother seeking to make the sacrifice worthwhile, a sister negotiating the promise of separation, and a son bearing the silence of a deafening burden. DUP invites us to contemplate on our origins and bids for connection and home.
Perhaps this allows you to ponder on life in the Philippines or abroad and would lead you to questions or answers sought after. You might even find comfort in knowing some of the cast and crew had been an OFW, had thought (or is thinking) of being one, or longs for a loved one abroad. Whether you are an OFW or not, a story relative to yours will be told live through theatre that will certainly evoke in you a sense of yearning.
With the increasing tensions around the globe, the safety of our OFWs is then at risk — it is Dulaang UP’s hope that fellow countrymen be home safe, live and labor in their homeland with dignity and justice. Ultimately, for that time where all Filipinos are happy at home, without needing to leave, could come.
The production will run from March 12, 2026 to March 29, 2026 at the IBG-KAL Theater, UP Diliman; Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30PM, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30PM and 7:30PM. Tickets are available via https://bit.ly/AngKaliitanNgKasalukuyan2026 with the following prices:
1,000 PHP Regular Price
800 PHP PWD / Senior Citizens / Non-UP Students
700 PHP for OFWs—current and former, ticket is transferable; available via direct purchase
650 PHP UP Community (Students and Employees): Friday–Sunday shows; available via direct purchase
550 PHP UP Community (Students and Employees): Thursday shows; available via direct purchase
Note that discounts/promos are not stackable on each other.
TELUS Digital Philippines, a provider of digitally enabled customer experience and business process solutions, earned two Silver Anvil Awards at the 61st Anvil Awards for initiatives under its TELUS Days of Giving program. Now in its 18th year, the program has strengthened employee engagement across its sites and supported community advocacy across the Philippines. Presented by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the Anvil Awards are considered the nation’s most prestigious recognition for public relations programs that demonstrate excellence in strategy, execution, and measurable impact across industries.
TELUS Digital Philippines was honored for two initiatives: one that revitalized employee engagement through strategic communication and another that translated volunteer participation into acts of bayanihan across communities nationwide. TELUS Days of Giving is a global volunteer movement across the TELUS Corporation inviting team members to contribute their time and support causes related to education, health, and disaster response.
“TELUS Days of Giving has always been about creating space for our people to support communities beyond the workplace,” said Pia Gajasan, Senior Manager for Communications in Asia Pacific at TELUS Digital. “These awards reflect how consistent participation, dialogue, and shared ownership helped sustain that purpose by turning long-term involvement into meaningful action, even after 18 years.”
Revitalizing an 18-Year Legacy of Giving
In the Employee Engagement category, TELUS Digital Philippines was recognized for showing how two-way communication can sustain employee participation over time.
Facing potential risks for program fatigue after nearly two decades, the initiative provided a refreshed way of communicating TELUS Days of Giving internally. Instead of relying on one-way announcements, the program shifted toward storytelling, dialogue, and co-creation, transforming channels into active spaces for feedback, recognition, and shared ownership.
The new approach yielded measurable results. Employee participation reached 48%, with over 12,200 team members dedicating over 20,400 volunteer hours for TELUS Days of Giving initiatives nationwide last year. These efforts impacted more than 31,500 beneficiaries across communities and were supported by grants and donations totaling PHP19 million. Most importantly, the refreshed narrative strengthened employees’ connection to the company’s purpose and its 18-year legacy of giving back to the community.
Turning Workdays into Acts of Bayanihan
In the Advocacy, Public Awareness, and Cause-Related Campaigns category, the company was recognized for initiatives that mobilized employees to support community needs beyond the workplace. The award recognized how the company extended its employee-driven culture into broader community action, engaging thousands in addressing gaps in education, health, environmental sustainability, and digital readiness across the country.
Through year-round volunteer programs, fundraising efforts, and partnerships with NGOs and local organizations, TELUS Days of Giving has evolved into a platform for collective impact. From literacy programs and school refurbishments, to digital safety education and disaster relief, TELUS Days of Giving showcases how private sector organizations can contribute meaningfully to social development while raising public awareness and civic participation.
The two Silver Anvil wins highlight TELUS Digital Philippines’ belief that engagement is built not just through long-standing programs, but by ensuring our advocacy is strategically communicated and every team member feels genuinely involved.
By aligning employee experience with community impact, the company continues to demonstrate how organizations can embed giving into daily work where purpose is upheld, participation is voluntary, and bayanihan remains a core value rather than just a seasonal campaign.
