TBC News

Tag: news

  • Crew Club expands network connecting Filipino remote workers with Australian employers

    Crew Club expands network connecting Filipino remote workers with Australian employers

    Australian-founded career community Crew Club is expanding its efforts to connect Filipino professionals with remote jobs offered by Australian and international employers, while adding career development tools, member rewards and exclusive partner benefits.

    Founded by Sydney-based entrepreneur Nicholas Bouris through Australian company Crew Solutions, Crew Club is designed as a membership platform where Filipino remote workers and job seekers can access employment opportunities, career resources, discounts and community support in one place.

    The platform now has more than 7,000 members and a growing number of paying subscribers, reflecting increasing interest among Filipinos pursuing remote work opportunities.

    Crew Club centers its membership around the promise to “Earn, Save and Win,” allowing members to:

    • Find remote roles with Australian employers.
    • Access exclusive partner discounts.
    • Join regular cash and prize giveaways.

    According to the company, the platform has already awarded millions of pesos worth of cash and work-from-home equipment to members, including MacBook Pros, iPhone 17 Pros, iPad Pros, ergonomic chairs, stand-up desks, cameras, microphones, backup power supplies, mouse-and-keyboard combinations, 4K drones, coffee machines and noise-canceling headphones.

    The platform recently held a launch event at Elements at Centris in Quezon City that attracted around 500 attendees interested in learning how to prepare for remote careers with overseas employers.

    Australia continues to face skills shortages across multiple industries, creating demand for experienced remote professionals, and Crew Club aims to connect Australian businesses with qualified Filipino talent.

    “Filipino remote workers are some of the most talented and hard-working professionals in the world, but too often they are left to navigate the global job market on their own. We built Crew Club to change that — to give them the community, the tools and the opportunities they need to build long-term careers, not just find the next gig.”

    Crew Club is free to join and allows members to create professional profiles, upload their CVs, receive job alerts, access career resources, unlock partner discounts and participate in weekly cash and equipment prize draws, with entry levels based on membership tier.

    The platform also includes an AI-powered CV checker that evaluates resumes across 11 quality metrics, assigns a score out of 100 and provides personalized recommendations to help applicants strengthen their CVs before applying for remote positions.

    Beyond employment services, Crew Club has introduced a Partner Rewards Program that provides members with discounts from participating businesses across several sectors, including:

    • Fitness centers
    • Solar installation services
    • Hotels and accommodation
    • Restaurants
    • Fragrance retailers
    • Laser eye surgery providers
    • Professional photography services

    The company said additional partner businesses will be added in the coming months as the membership program expands.

    Crew Club also plans to launch the Crew Store, where members will be able to purchase work-from-home equipment at competitive prices, with financing options intended to make home office setups more accessible.

    “Our ambition is to create the Philippines’ most rewarding professional membership community. We believe investing in your career should come with benefits that improve everyday life as well.”

    The platform has also partnered with online communities to broaden its reach, beginning with Maria Korina Bertulfo of FHMoms, a community with more than 540,000 members. It has since expanded through its Earn with Crew affiliate and partnership program and is seeking additional collaborators.

    Alongside its online initiatives, Crew Club has organized community activities in the Philippines, including sponsoring a community meal and donating ₱50,000 worth of equipment to Sto. Niño de Taguig Parish Church.

    Looking ahead, Crew Club plans to continue growing its network of Australian employers while introducing more educational resources, career events, partner offers and membership benefits for professionals across the Philippines. Membership is now available nationwide.

  • The ManulifeMOVE Cancer Care explained

    The ManulifeMOVE Cancer Care explained

    Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL), the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation, is expanding access to cancer care solutions through ManulifeMOVE Cancer Care, a program designed to help customers take a more proactive approach to their health and support longer, healthier lives.

    As part of the program, eligible customers will have access to Guardant Health’s Shield™ multi-cancer detection (MCD) laboratory developed test (LDT), following Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health announced earlier this year. The offering will also soon be available through Manulife Philippines.

    Under Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health, Inc. a leading precision oncology company—Manulife became the first insurer in Asia to offer the Shield MCD test to customers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. The program expands access to innovative, proven health solutions at a time when cancer remains one of the country’s top causes of death and a significant barrier to longevity for Filipino families. This partnership aligns with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment platform that aims to advance action on helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. 

    This program is powered by Manulife’s partnership with AC Health, a leading integrated healthcare network in the Philippines. At the heart of the network is Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH)—the Philippines’ first dedicated and comprehensive cancer hospital. This collaboration between the parties brings together Manulife’s ambition to become the most trusted partner for health, wealth, and longevity, HCCH’s expertise across the full spectrum of cancer care from early cancer detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment and survivorship, and Guardant Health’s commitment to helping individuals live longer and healthier lives through blood-based cancer testing.

    “Far too many Filipino families are confronted with life‑altering decisions only after cancer is detected too late, when options are limited and financial pressures intensify,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By bringing Shield MCD to eligible customers of Manulife Philippines and MCBL, we’re helping move that decision point earlier by encouraging timely medical conversations and better-informed choices. This can help reduce treatment complexity and cost over time, while we strengthen health and longevity outcomes for more Filipinos.”

    With just a blood draw, the Shield MCD test screens for 10 of the most common cancers, many of which have high mortality rates in Asia and the Philippines. The test received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025*1.  

    “We are proud to deepen our partnership with Manulife by bringing the Shield MCD test to their customers in the Philippines,” said Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA. “Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges for Filipinos, and Shield MCD offers a powerful new way to tackle this—detecting multiple cancers through a single blood draw. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to putting innovative health solutions within reach, and we look forward to the difference we can make together in the Philippines.” 

    “Wider access to early, convenient screening can help more Filipino families take a proactive approach to their health and support their journey toward longer, healthier lives,” said Amy Gochuico, President and Chief Executive Officer, MCBL. “Through our extensive bancassurance network, we are helping bring innovations like Shield MCD closer to more communities, supporting a more proactive and continuous approach to cancer care.”

    “We believe one of the greatest opportunities in cancer care is identifying risk and disease earlier, before symptoms appear and treatment becomes more complex,” said Dr. Ramy Roxas, Chief Operating Officer of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital. “We strongly encourage Filipinos to be proactive about their health and participate in appropriate cancer screening, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes and expand treatment options. At Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, our goal is to support patients across the entire cancer journey—from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.” 

    Eligible customers of MCBL, and soon, of Manulife Philippines, will be contacted by their financial advisor or financial sales associate to learn more about the Shield MCD test.

  • Caltex, Go Rewards hand over grand prize Toyota Fortuner to Ormoc City winner

    Caltex, Go Rewards hand over grand prize Toyota Fortuner to Ormoc City winner

    Caltex and Go Rewards have awarded a brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner to the grand prize winner of their nationwide “Choose Your Ride” promotion, marking the conclusion of a campaign that also rewarded hundreds of motorists across the country.

    Ms. Angelina Villamor of Ormoc City officially received the vehicle during a ceremonial turnover at the Caltex station in Cogon, Ormoc.

    Aside from the grand prize, the promotion awarded 500 participants with ₱3,000 worth of fuel vouchers.

    The campaign gave customers one raffle entry for every ₱500 fuel purchase made using a Go Rewards app or card.

    Participants also earned Go Rewards points, which can be redeemed for various rewards.

    The turnover ceremony brought together executives from Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI) and its partners, including CPI General Manager and Country Chairman Pongtorn Tangmanuswong, First Pacific Nova Distribution Corporation executives Edmund Uy and Constantino Bocanegra, Caltex Cogon retailer Erwin Brodeth, and CPI Marketing Manager Arnel Reniedo.

    Villamor’s sons, relatives, and Caltex station staff also attended the event.

    “Through the ‘Choose Your Ride’ promotion, we aimed to give back to our customers in a meaningful way,” said Tangmanuswong.

    “We are pleased to see the strong participation nationwide and to personally award this prize to Ms. Villamor. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to rewarding customer loyalty while delivering the quality fuels and services Caltex is known for.”

    Villamor celebrated the milestone with her family as she accepted the keys to her new vehicle.

    “I would like to thank Caltex and Go Rewards for awarding me with a new car, as now I can create more memories with my family on the road and beyond,” she said.

    Promo highlights

    • Grand prize: One brand-new 2026 Toyota Fortuner
    • Additional winners: 500 recipients of ₱3,000 fuel vouchers
    • Eligibility: One raffle entry for every ₱500 fuel purchase using the Go Rewards app or card
    • Added benefit: Customers earned redeemable Go Rewards points with qualified purchases

    Caltex said the campaign underscored its collaboration with Go Rewards and retail partners nationwide while supporting customer engagement across its service stations.

    The company added that similar customer reward initiatives will continue as part of its efforts to offer motorists both fuel purchases and loyalty benefits through the Go Rewards program.

  • TCL brings interactive Home Court experience to Robinsons Appliances stores in Manila and Lipa

    TCL brings interactive Home Court experience to Robinsons Appliances stores in Manila and Lipa

    TCL Electronics has partnered with Robinsons Appliances to launch the “TCL Home Court: Fresh & Clean Roadshow,” an interactive campaign combining basketball-themed activities with hands-on demonstrations of the company’s latest home appliances and entertainment products.

    The roadshow is scheduled to visit Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita from July 11 to 19 and Robinsons Place Lipa in Batangas from July 24 to Aug. 2, 2026.

    Visitors can explore an immersive basketball-inspired setup designed to showcase TCL‘s lineup of home technologies while participating in interactive games and activities.

    Among the featured products are:

    • TCL Super Drum Washer & Dryer C682
    • 2026 New Washer & Dryer Model S30
    • Free-built Refrigerator
    • 75C6L TV
    • FreshIN 3.0 Series air conditioner

    The company said the activation transforms traditional product displays into an interactive environment where visitors can experience how the appliances fit into a connected smart home ecosystem.

    “We’re stepping up the game! Discover TCL’s latest innovations in TVs, Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, and Washing Machines through a high-energy, basketball-inspired experience. We’ve transformed traditional product displays into interactive zones where you can play, explore, and experience the ultimate TCL smart home ecosystem firsthand,” said TCL Philippines Product Director of Washing Machine and Refrigerator Gavin Gui.

    The event also features basketball-themed challenges that allow visitors to compete in interactive games while giving participants opportunities to win prizes.

    Adding to the attraction, PBA player CJ Cansino is set to make an appearance during the roadshow, where fans can watch him demonstrate his basketball skills and interact with him during the event.

    The campaign is designed for families, sports enthusiasts, and consumers looking to experience TCL’s latest home entertainment and appliance offerings through a sports-inspired setting.

    The “TCL Home Court: Fresh & Clean Roadshow” will run at Robinsons Place Manila from July 11 to 19 before moving to Robinsons Place Lipa from July 24 to Aug. 2, 2026.

  • Bounty marks 40 years with renewed push to strengthen Philippine food security

    Bounty marks 40 years with renewed push to strengthen Philippine food security

    Bounty has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ food security and advancing agricultural self-sufficiency as the company celebrated its 40th anniversary, underscoring its plans to expand support for local food production and farming communities.

    The commitment was highlighted during the company’s milestone celebration on June 25 at Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, where executives, media partners, and industry experts gathered to discuss the state of the country’s agricultural sector, reflect on Bounty’s four-decade journey, and outline its future priorities.

    “For four decades, Filipinos have given Bounty a place on their tables, and the biggest way we can pay back their trust is by strengthening the country’s food security. We’re committed to safeguarding food security for all Filipinos through agricultural production and leadership,” said Atty. Kenneth Cheng, CEO of Bounty Fresh Group Holdings Inc. and president of Fresh Group.

    The company said food security remains a pressing issue for the Philippines.

    According to Bounty, the country ranked 67th out of 113 countries in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, while government efforts have continued through initiatives such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s push for greater regional cooperation to promote food security.

    To help address these challenges, Bounty said it continues to strengthen local agricultural production through partnerships with Filipino farmers.

    The company said it provides farmers with:

    • Tools and technological support
    • Training and technical assistance
    • Access to markets needed to compete sustainably

    Bounty said these initiatives are designed to help ensure a stable supply of fresh and safe food while supporting the long-term growth of the Philippine poultry industry.

    “We want the whole agricultural sector to thrive together, so we empower thousands of entrepreneurs across the country and help farmers and livestock raisers succeed by providing advanced nutrition, technology, and technical support that improve animal health, productivity, and profitability,” said Rodolfo Abelardo “Polo” Ablazo, general manager of the Commercial Feeds, Agribusiness Group. “When our partners succeed, they help strengthen food security, create jobs in their communities, and ensure Filipino families continue to have access to safe, high-quality, and affordable food.”

    Founded in 1986 as a layer farm with 5,000 chickens in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Bounty has since expanded its operations through investments in grandparent farms, parent stock farms, hatcheries, dressing plants, feed mills, and cool-cell broiler complexes.

    In 2023, the company consolidated its operations under the One Bounty structure, bringing together the Bounty Fresh Group, Agribusiness Group, Branded & Value-Added Group, and Restaurant Group to centralize strategy and strengthen collaboration across the organization.

    Bounty also continues to expand its consumer presence, with Chooks-to-Go now operating more than 2,200 takeout stores nationwide.

    “For 40 years, Filipinos have trusted and allowed us to be part of their meals, so we share our success with everyone who welcomed us to their tables. We will continue to provide comfort food that makes every moment better,” said James Benedict Carreon, president of Restaurant Group.

    “Our diverse portfolio of convenient, high-quality, and nutritious products is what makes Bounty a household fixture daily. We will continue to push the boundaries of food innovation, staying true to our commitment to ‘food made better,” added Arch. Edwin Chen, president of Branded & Value-Added Group.

    Now recognized as the country’s second-largest poultry integrator, Bounty said it plans to continue investing in innovation and partnerships as it works toward supporting a more resilient and food-secure Philippines.

  • Solaire Resort Quezon City hosts National Tequila Day bar takeover at Skybar

    Solaire Resort Quezon City hosts National Tequila Day bar takeover at Skybar

    It’s no secret that tequila shines through as a popular choice at the bar whether it be on its own or as a classic cocktail such as the well-loved Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, or Paloma. This National Tequila Day, Skybar at Solaire Resort Quezon City elevates the celebration with an exciting bar takeover featuring Shinichi Itoh, the Head Bartender at Raion, this July 24, where the best moments with friends become better with the best drinks.

    Let the night unfold as a simple drink in hand becomes more this July. Electrifying memories are waiting to be made as the art of mixology perfects each night at Skybar. Relish new tequila-based blends as Ultimate Bartender Champion of 2024 Shinichi Itoh brings his prowess to the party from Raion. The veteran mixologist will be personally serving up a variety of cocktails developed exclusively for the one-night-only takeover, with glasses starting at Php 550++.

    Say cheers and keep the party going for the rest of the month and enjoy the takeover’s special concoctions at Skybar until July 31st only. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Skybar as the place to be whether for a sip of tequila or more, savory or sweet bar bites, or the striking views of the city from sunset until midnight.

    Revel in nights made better as Skybar welcomes guests for evenings meant to be remembered. From expertly crafted drinks to be shared amongst friends all the way to an uninterrupted view of the cityscape, enjoy the best cocktails with the best people, and unforgettable conversations that call for celebrating life at new heights.

    For inquiries and reservations, visit sn.solaireresort.com/dining/skybar, call +632 8888 8888, or email sn.reservations@solaireresort.com.

  • Redmi Note 17 debuts with 7-inch OLED display as Pro model packs a 9,000mAh battery

    Redmi Note 17 debuts with 7-inch OLED display as Pro model packs a 9,000mAh battery

    Xiaomi has unveiled the Redmi Note 17 series in China, introducing substantially larger batteries, updated Snapdragon processors and redesigned displays across the lineup, with the Redmi Note 17 Pro featuring a 9,000mAh battery while the standard model adopts a 7-inch OLED screen.

    The new smartphones are already on sale in China, although Xiaomi has not announced a global launch date.

    Redmi Note 17 highlights

    The standard Redmi Note 17 features a 7-inch OLED display with:

    • 120Hz refresh rate
    • 1,080 × 2,396 resolution
    • Up to 1,800 nits peak brightness
    • Touch support for wet or gloved hands

    Powering the device is an 8,000mAh battery that supports:

    • 45W wired charging
    • 22.5W reverse charging
    • Up to 22 hours of short-video playback
    • Up to 10 hours of outdoor navigation
    • A rated lifespan of 1,600 charge cycles

    The phone carries an IP65 rating for basic water resistance and uses Gorilla Glass 7i for front protection.

    Under the hood is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 processor built on Samsung’s 4nm process, paired with:

    • 6GB or 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
    • 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.2 storage
    • microSD card expansion

    Other features include an optical fingerprint scanner, NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 5, an IR blaster and a virtual proximity sensor.

    For photography, the Redmi Note 17 includes a 50-megapixel rear camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera.

    Redmi Note 17 Pro focuses on battery and durability

    The Redmi Note 17 Pro uses a smaller 6.83-inch display but upgrades to a higher-end 12-bit OLED panel with:

    • 120Hz refresh rate
    • 1,280 × 2,772 resolution
    • Up to 3,500 nits peak brightness
    • DC dimming down to 80 nits
    • 3,840Hz PWM dimming down to 1 nit

    Despite its smaller footprint, the Pro model houses an even larger 9,000mAh silicon-carbon battery.

    It supports:

    • 67W fast charging
    • 22.5W reverse charging
    • A rated lifespan of 1,600 charge cycles

    The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor, paired with:

    • 8GB or 12GB RAM
    • 128GB, 256GB or 512GB storage
    • UFS 2.2 storage on the 128GB model
    • UFS 3.1 storage on the 256GB and 512GB variants

    Unlike the standard model, the Pro does not support microSD card expansion.

    The handset also upgrades to stereo speakers, an ultrasonic proximity sensor and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

    Xiaomi says the Redmi Note 17 Pro has been drop tested from heights of up to three meters and carries IP68 certification for submersion, along with IP66, IP69 and IP69K ratings for protection against high-pressure water jets.

    Camera specifications remain modest

    Both smartphones use relatively simple camera systems.

    The Redmi Note 17 Pro includes:

    • 50MP main camera
    • 2MP depth sensor
    • 8MP selfie camera

    The standard Redmi Note 17 features:

    • 50MP rear camera
    • 8MP front camera

    Both models are limited to recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second.

    Xiaomi noted that the Chinese versions may differ significantly from future global variants, particularly in camera hardware and battery specifications, similar to the previous Redmi Note 15 series.

    Pricing in China

    Redmi Note 17

    • 6GB + 128GB: CNY 1,300 (about USD 190)
    • 8GB + 128GB: CNY 1,500 (about USD 220)
    • 8GB + 256GB: CNY 1,700 (about USD 250)

    Redmi Note 17 Pro

    • 8GB + 128GB: CNY 1,600 (about USD 240)
    • 8GB + 256GB: CNY 1,900 (about USD 280)
    • 12GB + 256GB: CNY 2,200 (about USD 320)
    • 8GB + 512GB: CNY 2,300 (about USD 340)

    Xiaomi is also offering launch discounts in China, reducing the Redmi Note 17 by CNY 100 and the Redmi Note 17 Pro by CNY 200 from their listed retail prices. Global availability has yet to be announced.

  • Finestra restaurants earn Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence once again

    Finestra restaurants earn Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence once again

    Solaire Resort continues to redefine world-class dining in the Philippines as both Finestra restaurants at Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort Quezon City have been awarded the prestigious “Best of Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator Magazine, one of the world’s most influential authorities on wine.

    The accolades are made even more remarkable by the scale and depth of Finestra’s wine program. With 670 wine labels, Finestra at Solaire Resort Entertainment City boasts the largest wine collection in the Philippines, while Finestra at Solaire Resort Quezon City follows with an impressive 395 labels, making both restaurants home to two of the country’s most extensive cellars.

    Beyond the size of its collection, Finestra at Solaire Resort Entertainment City also distinguished itself as the only restaurant in the Philippines to receive Wine Spectator’s coveted “$$$” designation, reserved exclusively for wine programs featuring a selection of rare, collectible, and ultra-premium labels, including an extensive offering of wines priced above USD100. Finestra at Solaire Resort Quezon City likewise earned a strong “$$” designation, reflecting the breadth and diversity of its expertly curated wine list.

    Presented annually, the Best of Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to wine through extensive wine lists, exceptional service, staff education, and curated wine experiences. Their cellars typically feature 350 or more selections from leading producers with strong regional and vintage diversity. Solaire Resort Entertainment City is on its third consecutive year earning the distinguished award, while its Quezon City counterpart is on its second year.

    “Receiving this recognition for both Finestra restaurants is a testament to the passion, expertise, and dedication of our entire team,” said Daniel Blais, Director of Beverage. “Our vision has always been to create wine programs that rival the world’s finest dining destinations, offering guests not only exceptional labels, but meaningful wine experiences that elevate every meal.”

    From iconic Old World vintages and celebrated New World producers to rare collector’s bottles, Finestra’s award-winning cellars have become a defining feature of the Solaire Resort signature dining experience. These latest accolades further reinforce Solaire Resort’s pursuit of culinary excellence, cementing Finestra as one of the Philippines’ premier destinations for discerning diners, collectors, and wine enthusiasts alike.

    Discover Finestra at Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Solaire Resort Quezon City, where authentic Italian cuisine meets one of the Philippines’ most celebrated wine programs. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8888 8888.

    For more information, visit https://sec.solaireresort.com/dining/finestra and https://sn.solaireresort.com/dining/finestra. Solaire Rewards members enjoy up to 20% off dining, while new members who sign up for Solaire Rewards may receive 30% off their first bill. 

  • Filinvest Malls expands beyond traditional shopping with destination-focused retail strategy in Filinvest City

    Filinvest Malls expands beyond traditional shopping with destination-focused retail strategy in Filinvest City

    Filinvest Malls is shifting its retail strategy beyond the traditional shopping mall by developing a network of complementary destinations designed to serve different consumer needs across Filinvest City in Alabang.

    Rather than relying on a single retail center, the company said its portfolio combines shopping, dining, convenience and neighborhood hubs that work together to support how people live, work and spend their leisure time.

    At the center of the strategy is Festival Mall, the flagship retail and entertainment destination within the 244-hectare Filinvest City township in southern Metro Manila.

    Supporting it are several specialized retail concepts managed by Filinvest Malls, including Westgate, Bloc 10, South Station, Fastbytes and Spectrum Centre, each serving a distinct role within the community.

    “Retail today is no longer defined by a single destination. People move through different spaces throughout their day, whether they’re meeting friends over dinner, running errands, or simply looking for a place to spend quality time with family. Our role at Filinvest Malls is to understand these different occasions and curate experiences that respond to them,” said Mitch A. Dumlao, First Vice President and Retail Business Unit Head of Filinvest Malls.

    The company said changing consumer behavior has increased demand for destinations centered on experiences instead of purely shopping, leading to the growth of specialized retail environments.

    Among its key lifestyle destinations is Westgate, an open-air development that focuses on dining and leisure.

    The property houses restaurants including Melo’s Steakhouse, Tipsy Pig, Cooper’s and Inari Sukiyaki, positioning itself as a venue for family gatherings, business lunches and weekend meetups.

    Nearby, Bloc 10 targets professionals and food enthusiasts with specialty dining concepts such as Karrera and D’Baristroe in a contemporary setting.

    According to Filinvest Malls, both developments highlight the growing role of food and dining in attracting visitors while complementing traditional shopping centers.

    The company’s retail network also includes convenience-focused developments that cater to everyday routines.

    Among them are:

    • South Station, which serves commuters, residents, workers and visitors through essential retail and service establishments, including 7-Eleven, Lawson, Cebuana Lhuillier and Western Union.
    • Fastbytes, which offers quick-service dining through brands such as McDonald’s, Jollibee, Starbucks, Bacolod Chicken Inasal and Mediterranean concept Mazza.
    • Spectrum Centre, which provides a mix of dining, wellness and service establishments for professionals, residents, hotel guests and visitors, including Avignon Clinic.

    Filinvest Malls said these locations are intended to serve different customer needs while contributing to activity across the township.

    “What’s important is that these formats don’t compete with one another, they complement each other. A strong retail ecosystem allows each location to serve a unique purpose while collectively creating a richer experience for the community. By managing different retail formats across Filinvest City, we’re able to create synergies that drive foot traffic, extend dwell time, and strengthen the overall appeal of the township as a place to live, work, and spend time,” Dumlao added.

    The company said visitors moving between destinations, whether dining at Westgate, accessing services at Spectrum Centre or making quick stops at South Station, contribute to a connected retail ecosystem across Filinvest City.

    Filinvest Malls operates a portfolio of shopping centers across the Philippines, including Festival Mall in Alabang, Main Square in Bacoor, Fora Mall in Tagaytay, IL Corso in Cebu and Filinvest Malls in Dumaguete.

  • Billease reports record 2025 earnings as it prepares to roll out digital banking services

    Billease reports record 2025 earnings as it prepares to roll out digital banking services

    Billease posted more than 80% revenue growth in 2025 and increased net profit to US$13.6 million as the Philippine consumer finance platform accelerated customer growth while laying the groundwork for its planned entry into digital banking.

    According to its audited consolidated financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, Billease generated US$151.2 million in revenue, extending what it described as its multi-year track record of profitability in a market where many digital banks and online lenders continue to operate at a loss.

    The company also reported:

    • Revenue increased more than 80% to US$151.2 million.
    • Net profit reached US$13.6 million.
    • Gross loan book expanded more than 77% to US$212.1 million.
    • Total assets climbed to US$233.5 million.
    • More than 100,000 new customers are now joining the platform each month.
    • Return on assets reached about 6.8%.

    “The growth was driven by both ends of our customer funnel: strong new-customer acquisition paired with deepening repeat usage,” said Georg Steiger, Co-Founder and CEO of Billease. “It tells us there is significant underlying demand for affordable, well-structured credit in this country, and that the platform scales without compromising our standards. We don’t view 2025 as a peak, we view it as evidence that the model works.”

    The company said its financial performance came alongside continued investment in expanding its business, including growing its field sales network, increasing marketing efforts, and strengthening merchant partnerships.

    Billease said these expansion initiatives were financed through operating profits rather than external funding.

    “We are investing from a position of profitability, not chasing it,” Steiger added. “That is what lets us grow quickly and responsibly at the same time.”

    Credit quality also remained stable despite rapid loan growth, with the company saying its underwriting models, developed over eight years and millions of lending decisions, enabled it to maintain historical risk levels while serving a larger customer base.

    “We grew the book more than 77% without loosening our standards,” said Steiger. “Growth that comes at the expense of credit discipline isn’t growth — it’s a deferred loss.”

    Billease said it remained well capitalized following its 2024 Series C funding round led by TPG’s The Rise Fund, with participation from existing investor Burda Principal Investments.

    As of Dec. 31, 2025, total equity stood at US$109.4 million, consisting of US$82.9 million in paid-in capital, US$26.6 million in retained earnings, and reserves, representing an equity-to-assets ratio of about 47%.

    Retained earnings nearly doubled during the year, increasing from US$12.8 million to US$26.6 million, providing additional capacity to support future loan book expansion.

    Looking ahead, Billease said it is preparing to introduce digital banking services following its 2025 acquisition of Rural Bank of Sta. Maria.

    The planned banking offering will include savings and deposit products while aiming to improve the company’s funding profile and reduce its cost of capital.

    “Bringing the bank live is the single biggest strategic priority in front of us,” said Steiger. “Once that’s done, the runway opens up considerably a fuller product set for customers, and a materially better cost of funding.”