In photo (L-R): Nemia Rontal and Wilma Manalastas

Almost every Filipino neighborhood has one. A sari-sari store tucked beside a family home. A small storefront where neighbors stop to buy everyday essentials, catch up with one another, or quickly pay for load before heading home. For decades, these community businesses have quietly become part of daily life across the Philippines, built through trust, consistency, and relationships formed one customer at a time.

Today, many of these small businesses are evolving together with the communities they serve. Some now offer bills payment, cash-in and cash-out services, and mobile load in addition to traditional store items. Others have expanded into online selling, using digital tools to help manage transactions and support growing negosyo needs.

For entrepreneurs like Nemia Rontal in Bocaue, Bulacan and Wilma Manalastas, adapting to these changes became part of growing their negosyo while creating more stability for their families through Maya Business.

Before becoming one of the trusted Maya Business agents in their subdivision, 39-year-old Nemia spent nearly two decades working in corporate as an Accounting Supervisor. But after experiencing health challenges that forced her to stop working full-time, she began focusing more seriously on the small sari-sari store she had started years earlier outside their home.

At the time, the setup was simple: two sacks of rice displayed in front of the house. “Nagsimula kami na para pandagdag lang sana noon” (We started it simply as a way to earn extra income), she shares.

Even then, Nemia already had an interest in financial systems and business transactions. Curious about digital financial services and looking for ways to expand what her store could offer, she attended a Maya seminar in Guiguinto back in 2018 and applied to become a Maya Business partner.

Over time, Nemia’s store evolved into more than just a place to buy essentials.

Customers began stopping by not only for rice or groceries, but also for bills payment, cash-in services, and mobile load. During the pandemic especially, digital transactions became more common within their community as more people looked for accessible financial services closer to home.

“Unti-unti siyang naging regular na serbisyo para sa mga tao rito” (Over time, it became a regular service people in the community relied on), she says.

As transactions became more consistent, access to additional puhunan also became important for keeping the negosyo running steadily. Through Maya Advance, Maya Business’ in-app financing feature that allows eligible businesses to access collateral-free revolving funds directly through the app, Nemia was able to secure additional capital for inventory, daily operations, and household expenses whenever needed.

Her first approved amount started at around ₱18,000. Over time, after consistently growing her transactions, her loan limit eventually increased to more than ₱200,000.

For Nemia, the convenience mattered just as much as the financial support itself. “Kapag fully paid na, mabilis lang ulit magamit” (Once it’s fully paid, we can easily access it again) she says. “Malaking tulong siya lalo na kapag kailangang magdagdag agad ng paninda” (It really helps whenever we need additional capital for inventory).

Today, her store has helped support their family through years of change. From improving their home to purchasing a vehicle and continuously supporting her children’s education, the business gradually became a source of stability after leaving corporate work behind.

But success, in Nemia’s case, still looks grounded in everyday routines.

It looks like preparing the store early in the morning before customers arrive. It looks like balancing negosyo operations with household responsibilities. It looks like assisting neighbors with transactions throughout the day.

For Wilma Manalastas on the other hand, her business evolved differently, but with the same mindset of adapting little by little.

What started as a simple sari-sari store eventually expanded into online selling, with Wilma offering gadgets, cellphones, clothes, and other trending products through digital platforms.

Over time, her business became an important added source of income alongside her husband’s work.

Like many Filipinos who entered online selling organically, Wilma learned through experience: balancing multiple sidelines, managing inventory, and handling busy transactions while gradually adapting to more digital systems.

“As the negosyo grew, syempre kailangan din ng pandagdag puhunan” (As the negosyo grew, we eventually needed additional capital to keep up as well), she says.

Before using Maya Business, Wilma often relied on credit cards whenever she needed extra funds for restocking products or supporting busy selling periods. Eventually, she became one of the early Maya Business users and later discovered Maya Advance, which allowed her to access additional revolving funds directly through the app without lengthy paperwork and approval processes.

For Wilma, the accessibility and convenience became especially helpful in supporting both her physical store and online negosyo operations.

Today, years after starting with a sari-sari store, Wilma says her business has helped their family achieve milestones they once only planned for gradually, including purchasing a condominium unit and a vehicle.

But more than the bigger purchases, she says the business gave them more financial stability and flexibility while helping support their long-term family goals.

Across the Philippines, sari-sari stores have long been part of everyday community life: places built on familiarity, convenience, and trust. But as customer habits continue to evolve, many small business owners are also finding practical ways to adapt alongside them.

Through Maya Business, entrepreneurs can access digital tools that help support everyday negosyo needs, from accepting QR Ph payments from different e-wallets and banks to offering bills payment, mobile load, and cash-in and cash-out services, as well as accessing additional revolving capital through Maya Advance. Maya Business also allows merchants to manage business funds through a digital deposit account designed for everyday business transactions.

For many Filipino entrepreneurs, growth doesn’t always happen all at once. Sometimes, it starts with a small store, a loyal community of customers, and the willingness to keep building steadily one day at a time.

Looking to level up your business with digital tools and services? You can apply to become a Maya Center and download the Maya Negosyo app on Google Play to get started.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and 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. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

PLDT Enterprise and 6D Technologies formalize their partnership to expand scalable IoT connectivity and support enterprise digital transformation across the Philippines. (L–R): Gilbert Gaw, First Vice President and Head of IT and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart; Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation, PLDT Enterprise; Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer, 6D Technologies; and Abhishek Bhalla, Vice President for APAC, 6D Technologies.

Manila, Philippines — For many businesses, growth depends on being able to see what is happening across their operations in real time — where assets are, how devices are performing, when systems need attention, and how teams can respond faster when conditions change.

This is where connected technology becomes more than just infrastructure. It becomes a way for businesses to make better decisions, reduce delays, improve visibility, and serve customers with greater confidence.

PLDT Enterprise is taking another step toward making this possible for more Philippine businesses through its strategic partnership with 6D Technologies, a global telecommunications software company specializing in BSS/OSS platforms, IoT connectivity management, and digital transformation solutions for mobile network operators. Through the collaboration, PLDT Enterprise is strengthening its IoT capabilities to support more scalable, flexible, and enterprise-ready connectivity services across the country.

At the heart of the partnership is 6D Technologies’ IoT Connectivity Management Platform (CMP), a carrier-grade platform that helps telecom operators create, package, deploy, and manage IoT services at scale. It supports the full IoT lifecycle, including SIM provisioning, device onboarding, real-time usage monitoring, automated billing, and enterprise self-service portals.

Helping businesses see more and respond faster

The partnership is expected to support more IoT use cases across industries such as logistics, manufacturing, utilities, retail, and public services — sectors where reliable information and timely action can directly affect operations. It opens opportunities for use cases such as fleet tracking, smart metering, industrial automation, cold chain monitoring, smart surveillance, and connected car solutions.

For logistics companies, this can mean better visibility over vehicles and deliveries. For utilities, it can help improve monitoring across meters and field assets. For manufacturers, it can support smarter automation and equipment tracking. For retailers and public service organizations, it can help teams make faster decisions based on more accurate, real-time information.

Built on Smart’s 5G-enabled infrastructure, the platform is also positioned to support deployments even in hard-to-reach areas, helping bring connected solutions closer to businesses and communities that need them.

Making IoT easier to start, manage, and scale

For many enterprises, adopting IoT can feel complex. Businesses need to manage devices, connectivity, data usage, security settings, and cost — often across multiple sites and teams.

Through 6D’s platform capabilities, PLDT Enterprise can develop more dynamic bundled offerings, create more accessible starting points for SMEs and mid-market customers, and support customers as their IoT requirements grow over time. The platform’s flexible commercial engine, multi-tenant structure, and automated SIM and device lifecycle management are designed to help PLDT Enterprise respond more quickly to market demand and support enterprise growth with less back-end intervention.

With the new platform, enterprises can access capabilities such as seamless roaming support for connected devices across regions, eSIM enablement for more flexible and remote device provisioning, data pooling across multiple devices to optimize usage and cost efficiency, and enhanced APN management for more secure and customized network configurations.

The platform also introduces AI-powered IoT connectivity management — capabilities that go beyond dashboards to proactively flag anomalies, predict connectivity issues before they affect operations, and automatically optimize device performance and network usage across an enterprise’s entire connected fleet. For businesses managing hundreds or thousands of devices across multiple sites, this translates to fewer manual interventions and more reliable uptime.

A commitment to smarter, more connected businesses across the Philippines

For PLDT Enterprise, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to helping Philippine businesses move beyond basic connectivity and toward more intelligent, device-level digital operations.

“This partnership with 6D Technologies strengthens our ability to deliver more scalable and flexible IoT services to businesses across the Philippines,” said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation at PLDT Enterprise. “By enhancing our IoT platform capabilities, we are better positioned to help enterprises adopt connected technologies faster, support new use cases, and build smarter, more responsive operations.”

“The Philippines represents one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic IoT growth markets, and we see this partnership with PLDT Enterprise as a significant step in realizing that potential,” shared Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer of 6D Technologies. “Our platform is built to give operators the speed, visibility, and flexibility to launch and scale IoT services on their own terms — and we look forward to putting that to work for Philippine enterprises.”

By combining PLDT Enterprise’s network strength with 6D Technologies’ platform flexibility and automated lifecycle management, the collaboration aims to help more enterprises deploy connected solutions that are easier to manage, more responsive to operational needs, and built for long-term growth.

Leaders from PLDT Enterprise and 6D Technologies come together to formalize their partnership aimed at strengthening scalable IoT connectivity solutions for Philippine businesses. (L–R): Manoj Jain, Global Head of Marketing, 6D Technologies; Abhishek Bhalla, Vice President for APAC, 6D Technologies; Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer, 6D Technologies; Gilbert Gaw, First Vice President and Head of IT and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart; and Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation, PLDT Enterprise.

Indulging in anything Ube is easy peasy at SM Malls in the East Metro

East of Metro Manila, Philippines – From viral desserts on social media to purple-inspired café creations across the globe, ube continues to capture the hearts — and taste buds — of food lovers everywhere. Once known mainly as a Filipino favorite, this vibrant purple yam has now become an international sensation, appearing in lattes, cakes, ice cream, pastries, and specialty treats in different parts of the world. Its rich flavor, comforting sweetness, and unmistakable color have made ube a standout in the global food scene and a source of Filipino pride.

Ube Nation at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo and SM Center Antipolo Downtown

At SM Malls in the East Metro, the ube craze is bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever. With so many exciting ube-inspired finds across dining spots, cafés, bakeries, and pasalubong favorites, every food trip feels like entering an ultimate Ube Nation — where every gala becomes a purple-filled adventure.

Ube silvanas from Brownies Unlimited in SM City Marikina and SM City San Mateo

Halokay Ube from Bebang Halo Halo at SM City Marikina

Classic Halo-Halo with Ube ice cream and halaya from Bacolod Chicken Inasal in SM City Marikina and SM Center Antipolo Downtown

Craving a refreshing and creamy treat? Enjoy classic halo-halo and ube-loaded desserts from Bebang Halo-Halo, Kuya J Restaurant, and Chowking, serving up satisfying Ube Halo-Halo combinations perfect for cooling down during mall strolls.

Happiness in Zus’ Ube Frappe at SM City Masinag

Ube Milk Drink from Pickup Coffee SM Center Antipolo Downtown

Coffee lovers can also max out their café experience with flavorful Ube Latte creations from ZUS Coffee and Pickup Coffee, where creamy coffee blends meet the sweet and nutty goodness of ube in every sip.

Indulge in the sizzling flavors of Japanese favorites as Pepper Lunch finally opens at the West Wing Expansion of Your Most Loved Supermall—SM City Marilao, bringing its signature hot plate dining experience closer to Bulakeños.

Known for its mouthwatering steak, savory rice meals, and appealing ambience, Pepper Lunch lets diners enjoy meals through its patented sizzling plates that keep food hot and flavorful until the last bite. Additionally, customers can customize their meals by mixing flavors according to preference, making every visit truly fun and satisfying, All For You.

Pepper Lunch is famous among foodies for its crowd favorites ranging from beef pepper rice to steaks and Japanese-inspired comfort meals. Whether craving something hearty, savory, or sizzling hot, Pepper Lunch at SM City Marilao offers a flavorful dining destination for shoppers and food enthusiasts alike for an ultimate Gala to The Max experience.

 Pay seamlessly abroad with your GCash Visa Card, featuring real-time forex updates and spend tracking via the GCash app

Hassle-free travel: Payments abroad made easier with GCash Visa Card

With the GCash Visa Card, users can view low and transparent forex rates upfront and track international spending in real time within the GCash app for a seamless travel experience

Recognizing that Filipino travelers are more mindful of their spending, the GCash Visa Card is a reliable way to manage travel funds, whether for essential business or a long-awaited family trip. Filipinos can conveniently pay for purchases abroad using the GCash Visa Card, providing a secure and transparent way to ensure every peso is spent wisely while away from home.

The GCash Visa card offers users transparency, real-time tracking, and universal accessibility across the globe, making it a preferred mode of payment when going overseas.

In fact, GCash Visa Card transactions made abroad accounted for 74% of total GCash Visa payment volume in 2025, a figure that shows the leadership of GCash in international payments. 

Here are a few reasons why the GCash Visa Card is the best way to transact globally: 

l  Available in more than 150 million merchants worldwide:  The GCash Visa Card offers unparalleled global utility, accepted at over 150 million merchants across more than 200 countries and territories. Whether transacting in-store or online, users are guaranteed a seamless and highly accessible payment experience that bridges the gap between local digital wallets and global commerce.

l  Low & transparent forex rates: One of the key considerations for users spending abroad is understanding the true cost of each transaction, with exchange rates varying across providers. To address this, the GCash Visa Card enables users to view competitive foreign exchange rates directly within the GCash app. This feature allows cardholders to see exactly how their GCash wallet balance converts into foreign currency in real-time. By providing this upfront visibility, GCash eliminates the uncertainty of fluctuating rates, ensuring a hassle-free spending experience. Users can manage their travel budget with total confidence.

l  Real-time spend tracking: Beyond visibility on rates, managing expenses in real time is equally important for travelers and overseas users. Traditional payment experiences often rely on end-of-cycle billing, which can make it harder to track day-to-day spending until after the fact. With the GCash Visa Card, transactions are reflected in real time within the app, allowing users to monitor their spending as it happens. This immediate feedback loop helps users stay aligned with their intended budgets and reduces the likelihood of unexpected charges accumulating unnoticed during travel or overseas use.

l  Withdraw from ATMs abroad: Accessibility also plays a central role in supporting users abroad. Through Visa’s global network, the GCash Visa Card enables users to withdraw cash from ATMs across different countries. This broad acceptance gives users flexibility in how they access and use their funds. 

“Travel should be about creating meaningful experiences, not worrying about how to pay abroad. With the GCash Visa Card, travelers can enjoy a more convenient and seamless payment experience wherever Visa is accepted, while having the confidence that their transactions are secure and protected every step of the way,” said Ren-ren Reyes Jr., president and CEO of GCash operator G-Xchange Inc.

As more Filipinos engage in cross-border travel and global digital transactions, the expectations around financial tools continue to evolve toward greater transparency and ease of use. 

Through features that bring together upfront foreign exchange visibility, real-time spend tracking, and global acceptance, GCash supports users in navigating international spending with more confidence and control, helping make cross-border payments feel simpler and more predictable. 

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

The launch bridges tradition and modern education through stories that nurture literacy, creativity, and social awareness

In celebration of National Heritage Month, Lampara Books unveils its latest collection of literary and educational releases that honor the long-standing traditions of Filipino storytelling and encourage cultural appreciation and values formation among the next generation of readers.

The lineup includes Filipino classics, modern retellings, and innovative educational series that share the publishing house’s mission of providing accessible, values-based, and culturally relevant literature for Filipino children and families.

Among the highlights of the launch are two of Philippine literature’s most enduring masterpieces: Ibong Adarna and Florante at Laura. Edited by acclaimed scholar and children’s literature advocate Eugene Y. Evasco, the new edition of Ibong Adarna offers an enriched reading experience through chapter summaries, vocabulary guides, and comprehension prompts designed to support students, teachers, parents, and independent readers alike. The volume features cover art by Arnaldo Mirasol and interior illustrations by Randy Valiente.

The new edition of Florante at Laura modernizes the classic text yet carefully preserves its historical and linguistic character. With annotations, glossaries, discussion guides, and illustrations by Rowin Agarao, the new version is both a literary resource and an important educational tool for contemporary learners.

Also given a special highlight is the newest collection of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, as masterfully retold by award-winning writer Christine S. Bellen-Ang, and brought vividly to life by an esteemed roster of Filipino illustrators. Inspired by the iconic stories of Severino Reyes, the collection reintroduces today’s young readers to narratives that have helmed generations through imagination, morality, wonder, and cultural memory. 

“These stories have long occupied a cherished place in Filipino childhood,” shares Segundo D. Matias Jr., Founder of Lampara Books and Precious Pages Corporation. “Through these new editions, we hope to preserve their legacy while allowing a new generation of readers to discover the beauty, wisdom, and humanity found within Filipino storytelling traditions.”

In line with its mission to promote literacy and holistic learning, Lampara Books also launches several educational series that address current learning needs and social development of children. This includes the Decodable Comics for Fluency series in Filipino and English, which integrate Systematics Phonics and the Marungko Approach to reinforce foundational reading skills for beginners.

Written by Daisy Jane Calado, coordinated by Victor A. Villanueva, and illustrated by Rowin Agarao, the series combines engaging storytelling with workbook-based exercises that support comprehension and language development.

Also included in the launch is the Kids Have Rights! Series by Michellan Sarile-Alagao (illustrated by Kim Santiago), which introduces children to their fundamental rights through accessible language and relatable narratives. The Sari-Sari Books series by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, illustrated by Domz Agsaway, celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression, empowering a new generation of readers to appreciate individuality and social understanding.

Lampara Books also expands its educational offerings with the inclusion of Disaster Ready-Kids Series by Zarah C. Gagatiga and illustrated by Juno Abreu, which introduces the concept of practical safety measures and disaster preparedness to children. Kaligtasan Para sa mga Bata by Mark Norman Boquiren (illustrated by Mark Norman Boquiren), on the other hand, promotes public safety awareness among young Filipinos.

With Lampara Books’ latest roster for the Heritage Month, reading is not just a tool to preserve culture and tradition. It is a strong foundation for education, imagination, and nation-building to prepare the next generation with the right mindset and heart to become better individuals.

For more information on the launch and featured titles, follow Lampara Books on its official social media channels.

The Marikina-based trio delivers a no-skips album driven by blues-infused rock ’n’ roll and working-class struggles

Filipino blues rock trio AME has officially released Kwentong Barbero, a seven-track album that tackles the unfiltered realities of everyday Filipino life. As one of the few active blues bands in the local music scene, AME takes the genre to a thrilling new place through its riveting balance of classic blues sound, ‘70s psychedelic rock, and contemporary punk edge.

Redefining OPM with their eclectic sound and personality, Kwentong Barbero delivers a record wity easygoing charm and confidence. The retro-modern album features previously released singles “Ipagpatawad Mo,” “Hala Bira,” and “Palaboy,” alongside four new tracks ready to hit hard and stay with the listeners until the final note.

[MORE PHOTOS HERE]

From the urban grit of “BluKolar” to the poignant farewell in “Langit,” the record paints vibrant stories of love, survival, identity, and hope into anthems that cut across generations. “BluKolar,” in particular, connects the album to broader themes of labor, migration, and resilience, grounding AME’s music in the everyday struggles and aspirations of Filipino communities. 

Tracks like “Sana Makapili” stands out for its reflective patriotism, while heartfelt stompers like “Sandal” reveals the band’s vulnerable side both as songwriters and performers. The result is a well-rounded, no-skips album that balances emotional depth with the glorious raggedness of rock n’ roll.

Musically, AME’s new record serves as both a homage to the timeless tradition of Filipino storytelling and the trio’s infectiously gritty approach to blues-infused rock music.

Tracklist

1. Sana Makapili
2. Palaboy
3. Ipagpatawad Mo
4. BluKolar
5. Sandal
6. Hala Bira
7. Langit

AME’s debut album, Kwentong Barbero is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via evosound Philippines.

About AME

AME is an indie-alternative rock blues band from Marikina known for their genre-bending sound that fuses nostalgic rock influences with modern pop sensibilities and emotionally charged lyricism. Since emerging in 2019, the band has steadily built a growing following through music that balances youthful energy with introspective storytelling — from the infectious groove of Ipagpatawad Mo to the heartfelt collaboration Balang Araw with Frank Ely, and now their upcoming album, Kwentong Barbero.

Blending driving guitars, soulful vocals, and blues-rooted instrumentation, AME delivers a sound that feels both fresh and familiar within the local indie scene. Their songs often explore themes of love, identity, struggle, and hope, capturing the rawness of youth alongside the emotional weight of lived experience. As one of the few active bands carrying blues influences into modern OPM, AME continues to carve out a distinct space in Filipino music — proving themselves to be one of the most promising acts shaping the next wave of local rock and blues.

Now available on all digital music platforms worldwide, the 8-track release unfolds like a single emotional journey: carefully sequenced, richly detailed, and impossible to skip.

Manila, Philippines – Following the radiant charm of their critically acclaimed debut DEFINITELY LOVE!, ALYSON returns to the spotlight with AFTER OURS—a sonically ambitious sophomore album released via Offshore Music Philippines. 

ALYSON’s second full-length album lingers in the aftermath of a romantic connection, exploring uncertainty after intimacy, the temptation that complicates devotion, and the painful realization that love endures not through perfection but through choice. Embracing a more sophisticated approach to songwriting and production, AFTER OURS treats the art of listening to albums as a sanctimonious experience, with each track carefully sequenced and every detail presented with intentionality at every level. 

In an era increasingly dominated by algorithmic design and standalone singles, ALYSON wants listeners to rediscover the beauty of experiencing albums as complete bodies of work that are meant to be lived through in sequence, with no skips. The record feels like one long night stretching into dawn.

Here’s a track-by-track description:

1. IKAW LAGI

Opening the record with festive beats and magnetic arrangements, “IKAW LAGI” is described as a “summery, ‘80s Latin-disco anthem” where the feelings of attraction and love are amplified to the max by its inescapable energy. The dancefloor-ready track captures the excitement of attraction at the beginning of a night out: where possibility is endless and every glance feels electrifying.

2. LANDI

A nighttime 80’s dancefloor track that takes listeners deeper into the long night, the song transports you to the set of the 1987 film, Dirty Dancing. It brings back the physicality and intimacy introduced in the previous album, showing two people unexpectedly synchronized to the beat amidst the chaos of the dance floor, getting closer, skin to skin, almost to a sensual breaking point.

3. BIGHANI

Exploring the connection between city pop and Brazilian tropical rhythms, the track marks the emotional escalation of the album. Beneath its shimmering production lies an internal conflict: temptation can drive a person crazy after a wonderful night, leading them to question their outlook on loyalty and love.

4. KUNG SAKALING TANAWIN

Delivering the record’s grandest emotional statements, the track gloriously channels the Manila Sound ballads from the ‘70s and ‘80s with sweeping orchestral arrangements ala Basil Valdez and Rey Valera. Drunk with nostalgia and yearning, the track meditates on the painful beauty of memory, asking whether love would still be chosen if one already knew how complicated and fragile everything would become.

5. TALAGA 

A playful synth-pop track inspired by both Pinoy and Japanese pop sensibilities circa 1986, the track chronicles a lover’s quarrel filled with teasing tension and undeniable chemistry. 

The release of the song is accompanied by a music video that pays tribute to the late-night music television performances of the ’80s and ‘90s (e.g., Ryan Ryan Musikahan). It also features rising pop artist Paprikka, who is known for her charismatic singing and soulful delivery.

6. GOODBYE, SUMMER

Integrating big band jazz, Motown grooves, city pop, and crooner-style Manila Sound into one cohesive package, “GOODBYE, SUMMER” is considered one of the album’s technical highlights. The groovy tune captures the exhaustion of heartbreak while confronting the lingering pain that still shadows it.

7. 24/7 LOVE & CARE

Handpicked as the album’s focus track, the song embodies the accessibility and warmth that define ALYSON in their sincerest form. Featuring a simpler arrangement centered largely around the band’s five core members, the track represents clarity after emotional turbulence: a realization that despite temptation, confusion, and imperfection, there remains comfort and peace in enduring love.

8. ‘DI MAKAPANIWALA

Sitting at the intersection of Japanese City Pop and Manila Sound, “‘DI MAKAPANIWALA” is an earnest closing track meant to cap off the emotional complexities of a night that was. It’s a simple message of hopefulness for a love that can make it to the dawn. Credits roll.

ALYSON’s AFTER OURS is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide this May 22, 2026, via Offshore Music Philippines. Watch the music video of “TALAGA”, debuting on YouTube tonight 9PM.

Your next visit to an OPPO Service Center may come with a few extra perks. Through its newest ‘Happy Weekend’ promo, OPPO Care is giving customers access to freebies, exclusive discounts, and special rewards alongside its after-sales services.

Available from May 29 to 31, 2026, the promo lets customers enjoy added value when visiting participating OPPO Service Centers nationwide, whether it’s for repairs, device checkups, or other support services.

Rewards Based on Your Repair Cost

Customers who complete their device repairs during the promo period can receive special freebies depending on their total repair cost.

For OPPO A Series users:

• PHP 1,201 to PHP 2,300: FREE USB Flash Drive
• PHP 2,301 to PHP 3,900: FREE Type-C USB Cable
• PHP 3,901 and above: FREE Black Automatic Umbrella

Meanwhile, Reno and Find Series users can enjoy even bigger rewards:

• PHP 2,401 to PHP 5,500: FREE 2-in-1 Pillow
• PHP 5,501 to PHP 10,000: FREE Ollie Elemental item
• PHP 10,001 and above: FREE Charger Set (head charger + Type-C USB Cable)

Extra Perks for MyOPPO App Members

MyOPPO App members can also enjoy an exclusive 15% OFF on OPPO Tempered Glass for repairs worth PHP 1,201 and above. Customers simply need to present or scan their MyOPPO App Membership ID at participating service centers to redeem the discount.

The Happy Weekend Promo will be available at selected OPPO Service Centers nationwide, including:

• SM City North EDSA
• SM City Manila
• SM City Dasmariñas
• Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces
• Pampanga
• Bulacan
• Davao
• CDO
• Tacloban
• SM City Iloilo
• SM City Zamboanga
• SM City J Mall Cebu
• Tuguegarao
• Nueva Ecija
• Robinsons Santiago
• Abanao Square Baguio
• SM City Gensan
• SM City Masinag

OPPO Care’s Happy Weekend Promo will continue on selected weekends every month, giving users more chances to enjoy exclusive freebies and after-sales perks.

Hurry now, until supplies last only!

For updates and future schedules, follow OPPO Care-PH on Facebook and TikTok, or OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com/ph/ and Facebook page.

Payment solutions provider VeritasPay Philippines Inc. is scaling up its nationwide presence as it accelerates support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adapting to an increasingly digital economy.

From an initial focus on Metro Manila and the broader Mega Manila area in 2021, the company has since expanded its reach to serve merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting the growing demand for accessible and reliable digital payment infrastructure beyond urban centers.

Today, VeritasPay supports a growing base of merchants nationwide, offering businesses a unified platform to accept multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, QR code payments, and other digital channels.

“At the point of sale, speed and reliability are critical to customer experience,” Christopher James Payne, President and CEO of VeritasPay said, underscoring the role of seamless transactions in driving both customer satisfaction and business performance.

Unified payments platform

VeritasPay enables merchants to accept payments across various touchpoints from physical point-of-sale (POS) terminals and mobile devices to online checkout pages and banking channels, through a single provider. This integrated approach simplifies operations for businesses managing multiple sales environments or branch locations, eliminating the need to work with separate payment providers and enabling more consistent transaction processing.

“At VeritasPay, we remain committed to empowering businesses by delivering accessible, reliable, and innovative payment solutions that drive growth and long-term success,” said VeritasPay General Manager and Business Development Head, Carl Henrison Tienzo.

To support businesses at different stages of growth, VeritasPay structures its offerings into two core solution categories.  Its In-Store suite, which comprises OnePOS, MobilePOS, and ExpressPOS, caters to day-to-day transactions at physical locations, offering merchants flexible options based on their setup and scale. Complementing this is its Online suite, which includes EasyLink, Checkout, Online Banking andOver-the-Counter, enabling businesses to accept payments remotely and expand into digital channels without overhauling their existing systems. Together, these solutions allow merchants to add new sales channels while operating within a single, unified payment ecosystem.

Growth targets for the year

Building on its nationwide footprint, VeritasPay said it now serves merchants across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, delivering technology-driven payment solutions across the country. The company is targeting a 30–40% increase in its merchant base this year, alongside a 45% rise in processed transaction volume, supported by continued investments in internal capabilities and strategic partnerships. With its expanding footprint and integrated solutions, VeritasPay aims to play a larger role in enabling SMEs across the Philippines to scale their operations and meet evolving consumer expectations.

Enhanced visibility for businesses

As SMEs expand, transaction visibility and operational oversight become increasingly important. VeritasPay provides centralized reporting tools that allow merchants to monitor sales, review payment activity, and track transactions by terminal, payment type, or location.

Such capabilities help business owners and managers identify trends, address discrepancies, and make data-driven decisions, particularly for enterprises operating across multiple branches.

Consistent customer experience

The shift toward digital payments has also heightened expectations for consistency. VeritasPay’s platform supports uniform payment acceptance across locations and channels, helping businesses deliver a seamless checkout experience whether transactions occur in-store, online, or remotely. This consistency reduces friction for customers while standardizing processes for frontline staff.

For more information, businesses may explore VeritasPay’s suite of payment solutions designed to support both in-store and online transactions.