SM Hotels Boosts Events Portfolio with Three New SMX Trade Halls in Luzon

(Artist’s Perspective) SMX Convention Center Trade Halls, showcasing a modern, flexible event space designed to accommodate exhibitions, conferences, and large-scale gatherings with seamless functionality and contemporary aesthetics.

SMX Convention Center continues to reinforce its leadership in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry with the fourth-quarter 2026 openings of three new SMX Trade Halls in Luzon. Owned and managed by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), these event spaces will strategically be located in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; Santo Tomas, Batangas; and Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Collectively, these new developments contribute more than 13,000 square meters of total leasable exhibition space, significantly increasing SMX’s capacity to host trade shows, corporate events, and large-scale community gatherings across key growth corridors in Luzon. The new trade halls are strategically positioned within thriving commercial hubs to serve regional demand while supporting national event expansion beyond Metro Manila.

(Artist’s Perspective) Lobby of SMX Convention Center Trade Hall, designed to set the experience to every event.

The openings complement SMX’s broader portfolio growth, which includes landmark projects such as the SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, which is poised to be the largest convention center in the Philippines, as well as SMXCITE (Center for International Trade and Exhibitions), envisioned as the largest exhibition and trade hall venue in the country. Together, these developments reinforce SMHCC’s commitment to building a nationwide ecosystem of world-class venues that enable economic activity, tourism, and industry collaboration.

“With the addition of these three trade halls, we are not only expanding our geographic reach but also creating more opportunities for businesses and communities to connect,” said SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation Senior Vice President Mr. Walid Wafik. “Our continued investments reflect our confidence in the Philippines’ growing MICE potential and our mission to deliver accessible, high-quality event spaces across the country,” Mr. Wafik added.

The new SMX Trade Halls are designed with flexible layouts, modern infrastructure, and seamless integration with adjacent retail and hospitality developments, providing clients with convenience and scalability for events of varying sizes. As SMX continues to expand with flagship venues in Cebu and Manila alongside regional trade halls nationwide, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation demonstrates its position as a leading force in shaping the future of the Philippine MICE industry.

For more information, visit www.smxconventioncenter.com.

TELUS Digital Philippines Earns Two Anvil Awards for Employee Engagement and Community Advocacy

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.

For more information, visit TELUS Digital.

Salmon Bank Clients Double in 2025 as Affluent Filipinos Flock to Time Deposits

Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) Inc. said its client base doubled in 2025 driven by the rising interest among affluent Filipinos in time deposit products, offering competitive yields and capital stability.

The bank closed the year with around 85% of its depositors being affluent clients availing of time deposit, underscoring a growing preference among wealthier savers for structured deposit products that provide predictable returns and a secure place to park funds.

The strong year-on-year growth was supported by the launch of “Bank on Eight,” Salmon Bank (Rural Bank)’s promotional time deposit offering that provides an 8% interest rate per annum for placements of at least PHP 1 million, for a period of 1 to 5 years. This promo, which offers one of the most attractive interest rates in the country, runs from December 1, 2025, until June 1, 2026. 

“The recent growth in our deposit client base highlights the rising interest among affluent Filipinos toward time deposits. With competitive rates like ours, they now serve as an attractive way to grow one’s wealth,” said Raffy Montemayor, Co-Founder of Salmon and Chairman of Salmon Bank (Rural Bank). “The response to our ‘Bank on Eight’ offer, in particular, shows that clients now highly value products that combine strong returns with predictability and security.”  

Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) also offers competitive interest rates of up to 6% per annum for customers placing deposits below PHP 1 million.

Customers may open a Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) account via the Salmon App – available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store – or by visiting the bank’s Sta. Rosa, Laguna or Bacoor, Cavite branches. For more information about this offer, visit salmon.ph/salmonbank.

Terms and Conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242399, Series of 2025. Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) Inc. is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (http://www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are accepted only within bank premises or through authorized bank channels. Deposits are insured by PDIC up to PHP 1 million per depositor.

Salmon Group Ltd is the parent company of Salmon Bank. Salmon Group itself is backed by world-class investors, including the International Finance Corporation (member of the World Bank Group); ADQ/Lunate, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund; and leading U.S. venture capital firms.

For more information, visit https://salmon.ph.

Conrad Manila Curates Refined Dining and Wellness Experiences in Celebration of International Women’s Month

Thoughtfully crafted to celebrate women and their enduring grace and strength, the hotel presents elevated dining, curated cocktails, and restorative spa journeys across its signature venues this March.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Conrad Manila presents a curated collection of dining and wellness experiences across its award-winning restaurants and spa. Throughout March, guests are invited to mark the occasion with meaningful moments — from an exclusive set menu and spa journey at Michelin-selected China Blue by Jereme Leung, to celebratory cocktails at C Lounge, indulgent feasts at Brasserie on 3, and restorative treatments at Conrad Spa. 

“Conrad Manila has always been guided by Hilton’s culture of providing opportunity, leadership, and inclusion for women,” shared Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila. “Throughout March, we invite our guests to celebrate the women who inspire them through experiences designed to reflect grace, strength, and quiet luxury.”

A Culinary and Wellness Journey at China Blue by Jereme Leung
Michelin-selected China Blue by Jereme Leung, unveils The Queen’s Indulgence”, an exclusive dining and spa pairing available from 7 to 21 March 2026. Priced at PHP 5,888 nett per person, the experience brings together refined Chinese cuisine and restorative wellness.

The menu highlights meticulously crafted dishes that embody elegance and sophistication, including savory starters of crispy cone filled with gong cai, century eggs, and vegetarian XO sauce, and steamed snow bird’s nest seafood dumpling with marinated pumpkin and sour plum jelly; a luscious soup of braised peach gum, sea cucumber, and tofu in long-simmered chicken broth; delectable mains of braised chicken hotpot with black garlic, scallions, and sturgeon, and wok-fried healthy orzo rice with Chinese sausage and vegetables; and a refined dessert of almond cream with sago and mini crystal dumpling. 

Completing the experience is a 60-minute full-body massage at Conrad Spa, offering a seamless transition from culinary indulgence to complete relaxation.

Conscious Beauty at Conrad Spa

THE QUEEN’S INDULGENCE l Regal Dining & Spa Retreat
7 – 21 March 2026 
PHP 5,888 nett per person

Brasserie on 3 presents ‘Crafted in her Honor’ collection
At Brasserie on 3, guests can revel in a lavish weekend feast featuring a wide selection of succulent mains, healthy favorites, and decadent desserts in a refined setting that overlooks Manila Bay. Women diners will be served a complimentary mocktail specially crafted for the occasion.  The refreshing blend balances tart citrus and earthy notes of butterfly pea flower with freshly squeezed lemon, sparkling soda, and a delicate sugar rim.

CRAFTED IN HER HONOR 
7 – 8 March 2026
Lunch: Starts at PHP 2,900 nett per person
Dinner: PHP 3,600 nett person

A Month of Celebration at C Lounge
Throughout March, C Lounge offers “A Blend of Grace and Power,” a selection of artfully mixed cocktails inspired by the nurturing spirit and enduring strength of women. Best enjoyed with sunset views over Manila Bay, the featured libations are available daily at PHP 450++. Guests who draw the lucky card from the bowl may enjoy a complimentary next round, adding a playful touch to the celebration.

A BLEND OF GRACE AND POWER 
1 to 31 March 2026 l 11:00am to 12:00mn
PHP 450 ++

All guests can also enjoy “Sunset Cheers”, offering unlimited cocktails from Monday to Thursday, between 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Best complemented with glorious sunset views along the iconic Manila Bay, the delightful sips are sure to inspire vibrant conversations with friends.

SUNSET CHEERS
Available until 31 December 2026
PHP 1,499 +++

In honor of Mother Earth, C Lounge presents “A Toast for the Earth”, a tea-infused cocktail exclusively available during Earth Hour. This tea-infused cocktail, priced at PHP 450++, honors Mother Earth with comforting, earthy notes and invites guests to pause for a shared moment of reflection and sustainability.

A Toast for the Earth at C Lounge

A TOAST FOR THE EARTH
28 March 2026 l 8:30pm to 9:30pm
PHP 450 ++

Conrad Spa
The International Women’s Month is also an ideal opportunity to embrace conscious beauty at Conrad Spa, through treatments and facials enhanced with ISUN, a holistic skincare brand. 

Designed to rejuvenate the body and illuminate the complexion, these therapeutic and restorative rituals offer a thoughtful tribute to her overall well-being.

This March, Conrad Manila continues to craft experiences rooted in moments that matter for the guests. For more information on the hotel’s latest dining exclusives and other offerings, please contact +632 8833 9999 or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com 

TNT aims to redeem itself as they met with SMB at the PBA Finals Press conference presented by ArenaPlus

Talk and Text Tropang 5G and San Miguel Beermen together with PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial with the PBA Philippines Cup trophy during the PBA Finals Press Conference presented by ArenaPlus.

Manila, Philippines—During the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippines Cup Finals press conference presented by ArenaPlus, two of the best teams in the league faced each other once again as a preparation for the upcoming best-of-seven series this January 21 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The last time Talk and Text Tropang 5G faced the San Miguel Beermen in the Finals, SMB ended the series in game 6 (4-2) with a score of 107-96 that clinched them the 2025 Philippines Cup title, crushing TNT’s dream of a grand slam championship.

However, at the finals press conference held last January 19, TNT’s head coach, Chot Reyes, said that the upcoming battle against San Miguel is not about getting even with them; it’s about assessing his capabilities against SMB’s head coach, Leo Austria, on more equal ground.

Head coach of Talk and Text Tropang 5G, Chot Reyes answering questions from the media at the PBA Finals Press Conference.

The Tropang 5G already faced the Beermen in the finals twice, and twice Austria walked off with the title because of TNT’s lingering injuries. This time, they are healthier and more ready to battle once again in the league’s biggest stage.

Conversely, Austria said that SMB is more than ready to defend their title against TNT. He considers his bench to have more depth, and he believes it is crucial to have good players starting and coming off it.

“It’s a very important factor, yung bench,” said Austria. “Since the start of the conference, that’s been my goal. As mentioned during the semifinals, different individuals stepped up as the best players in our four wins,” he added.

Another highlight of the press conference is the introduction of the Ramon Fernandez Finals MVP trophy as a tribute to Ramon Sadaya Fernandez, a former Filipino professional basketball player and former commissioner of the Philippines Sports Commission. The Kraken, June Mar Fajardo, a nine-time PBA MVP, expressed his respect to the former PBA legend.

The Kraken June Mar Fajardo talking about the Ramon Fernandez Finals MVP Award for the upcoming PBA Philippines Cup Finals.

“Dapat lang, siya ‘yung barometer sa mga players. Siya ‘yung nilu-look up namin. Deserve niya ‘yun, walang doubt.”

Moreover, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial gave his appreciation to ArenaPlus for their unending support for the league. “Bago ko makalimutan ang lahat, napaka-importante nito. Nagpapasalamat ako sa ArenaPlus, kung hindi dahil sa ArenaPlus, wala tayong presscon, kaya palakpakan naman natin ang ArenaPlus.”

As both teams prepare for another chapter of their growing rivalry, PBA, together with ArenaPlus, has set the stage for a battle that will go down in history. The only question remains, sino ang mas magiging-astig? a healthier Tropang 5G looking to end the streak or a prepared Beermen ready to defend their title? 

Don’t miss the action! Follow ArenaPlus on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, X(formerly Twitter), and TikTok and get updated on the latest happenings in sport!

About ArenaPlus

ArenaPlus is the #1 PAGCOR licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, providing a secure and engaging sports betting and streaming experience. Launched in 2023, ArenaPlus features live streams of PVL, PBA and NBA games along with a wide range of local and international sports.

BingoPlus Elevates the Philippine Golf Championship Experience with Pro-Am Showcase

The 2026 Philippine Golf Championship is shaping up to be a resounding success.

With BingoPlus serving as the official sponsor of the prestigious tournament, the PGT kicked off its pre-event festivities with a Pro-Am tourney joined by 164 players from around the region last Wednesday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club Manila.

Professional and amateur golfers alike took to the course for a full day of fun, camaraderie, and competition. When the day concluded, the team of Travis Smyth, Sofia Araneta, Hannah See, and Stewart Plinbundo emerged victorious in the morning session, while Angelo Que, JJ Atencio, Mika Arroyo, and Noel Estrella ruled the afternoon session.

For DigiPlus Interactive Corp. Lead Independent Director Ramon Dizon, the BingoPlus sponsorship highlights the country’s most trusted online gaming platform’s commitment to local sports and the development of Philippine golf.

Professional golfer Siddikur Rahman joins the Pro-Am tourney photo by BingoPlus

“On behalf of DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, we are so proud to support and be part of this event through our flagship brand BingoPlus,” Dizon said during the awarding ceremony.

“We now come to this exciting point in the Philippine Golf Championship, as presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, in awarding the winners. I would like to congratulate all the golfers for their dedication and sportsmanship, which they have demonstrated in the Pro-Am tournament.”

The champions took home premium golf equipment, while other participants were treated to a raffle, during which 20 lucky players won the same prizes. No one went home empty-handed, as all participants received BingoPlus golf caps, sleeves, and turbo fan giveaways.

Day 1 of the BingoPlus-sponsored Philippine Golf Championship started on February 5, with a total of 144 players competing for the $500,000 purse.

About DigiPlus

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates GameZone with more to come. For more information, visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

ArenaPlus Joins Sinulog and Dinagyang in Reimagining Festival Experiences

ArenaPlus during the Lyvefest [powered by TikTok LIVE] 2026 organized by Spectrum.

TikTok Live thundering drumbeats felt bigger, louder and more electric fused with the nonstop livestreams of ArenaPlus, the country’s #1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook, teamed up with Spectrum, the official event organizer of Lyvefest [powered by TikTok Live], transformed two of the Philippines’ most iconic celebrations into immersive party spaces where culture, community, and sports digital entertainment collided in real time.

As part of its commitment to delivering top-tier sports entertainment to Filipinos, ArenaPlus continues to actively support major cultural events through these sponsorships as the company hopes to create meaningful experiences that go beyond sports by bringing people together through moments both entertaining and close to the soul.

ArenaPlus kept the crowd engaged with hit attractions that became the highlight of the Lyvefest experience like the  punch-o-meter where booth visitors tested their strength, the basketball game where they showed off their shooting skills and correctly predict whether their score was over or under 2.5.

ArenaPlus lighting up the stage at the Lyvefest [powered by TikTok LIVE]

Lucky participants who got their prediction right won exclusive ArenaPlus bucket hats, sling bags, and t-shirts.

ArenaPlus made this year’s celebration feel different in the best way by making it an all-out entertainment for all. The Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals may have come to an end, but the night of music, games, and interactive experiences continues. Off to the next mga ka-astig!

Malupiton serenading the crowd at the Dinagyang Festival 2026.

Make sure to follow ArenaPlus on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), and Tiktok to stay updated to the latest happenings in the sports community.

About ArenaPlus
ArenaPlus is the #1 PAGCOR licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, providing a secure and engaging sports betting and streaming experience. Launched in 2023, ArenaPlus features live streams of PVL, PBA and NBA games along with a wide range of local and international sports.

BingoPlus gives away six cars, millions in cash from Valentine’s event over the weekend

BingoPlus players walked away with massive prizes from Cupid Panalo Shot

Six lucky winners will be driving a brand new BYD Sealion 6 following a successful Grand Bingo Jackpot event of BingoPlus’ Cupid Panalo Shot last Saturday, February 14.

In addition to the 6 winners of brand new cars, three players each pocketed PHP 2,140,000 in cash prizes, bringing the total jackpot payout to PHP 6,420,000 for the night.

Cupid Panalo Shot is a special Valentine-themed event by the country’s leading and most trusted online gaming platform, BingoPlus, running from February 8 to 21.

Throughout the promo period, players can collect Cupid’s Arrows by completing simple daily challenges such as logging in, making minimum deposits, or reaching turnover targets.

These arrows can then be used to play the target balloon game, which offers instant rewards.

Players may earn Cupid Cards by shooting balloons during the event, which serve as exclusive entries to the Grand Bingo Jackpot.

The next Grand Bingo Jackpot will take place on Saturday, February 21, at 9:00 PM, with massive cash prizes still up for grabs for those who would try their luck in the ongoing event.

For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

GameZone celebrates Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival 2026

Representing GameZone at the Dinagyang Festival

The celebration of festivals continues as GameZone successfully held its “Game, Dinagyang”  at the Dinagyang Festival 2026 last January 22 to 25 in Iloilo City.

The festival invited both local and international audiences, as the city celebrated its rich culture and tradition of the people of Panay. Stepping into the heavy drumbeats heard all over the streets, accompanied by performances on the grand stage, the Dinagyang Tribes competition was also held, as participants paid homage to the indigenous tribe of Ati and Malay through performances while delivering a powerful message of unity and cultural pride, in celebration of the peaceful pact between the two tribes.

GameZone was present with its on-ground activations with banners placed on the main road and on-site at the festival grounds as crowds gathered. The brand was notably a Ruby sponsor, elevating the event’s experience not just for the locals but for everyone who came to celebrate.

Festival goers join the “Take a selfie and win” by GameZone

Demonstrating its commitment to support the local community and cultural heritage, DigiPlus, together with GameZone, made its presence known as they showcased both brands, bringing the fun and entertainment during the festival through banners, local media outlets, on-ground, and online engagements reaching audiences both local and international in celebration of culture and community. 

The partnership with the festival enhanced GameZone’s ability to integrate and execute a meaningful event during the Dinagyang Festival, positioning itself at the heart of Iloilo’s most prestigious festivals.

For more information, visitwww.digiplus.com.phand www.gzone.ph.

SM Hotels Joins the Veritable List of Winners at the 2025 World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

SM Hotels wins the “2025 World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy” at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards. Photo shows (from left to right) SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Leah S. Magallanes and SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy E. Angeles.

SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) was conferred the “2025 World’s Leading Sustainable Circular Economy” at the prestigious World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards in Dubai for its ‘Plate for the Planet’ program. 

The said awards aim at recognizing, celebrating, and sharing game-changer stories of both individuals and organizations that make an indelible impact and contribution in sustainable travel and tourism. All submissions were meticulously screened by Sustainable Business students at Nova Business School and reviewed by the Advisory Board.

‘Plate for the Planet’ seeks to expand healthy and environment-friendly dining options, directed towards reducing dining wastes and mitigating GHG emissions in the food service industry. “Through the program, SMHCC endeavors to halve per capita global food waste at both the consumer and production levels, while greening supply chains and maintaining the food waste per cover, below industry levels as part of our decarbonization plans,” said SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Ms. Leah Magallanes. 

The program is part of SMHCC’s Sustainable Diner Program where every item on the menu is carefully curated, featuring locally sourced and hotel harvested ingredients. This initiative is a testament of SMHCC’s commitment to circular economy in its operations. Food waste is managed through traditional composting of layering with bacteria and the more modern way of using a bio digester. “Compost is then used as fertilizer in our gardens and partner farms, while the harvested herbs, vegetables, and fruits are used by our chefs to prepare a delicious dish – a ‘Plate for the Planet’. As such, we have partnered up with SM Foundation farmers through their Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program for our composting and gardening efforts,” adds Ms. Magallanes.

In particular, ‘Plate for the Planet’ advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) on Responsible Consumption and Production, reinforcing the company’s thrust on global sustainability standards. This strategic direction is systematically implemented across all SMHCC properties, integrating responsible practices into daily hotel operations. Dedicated Sustainability Champions at each property ensure these initiatives are actively upheld, measured, and continuously strengthened.

This global recognition affirms SMHCC’s leadership in driving circular innovation within the hospitality industry, proving that sustainability and exceptional guest experiences can go hand in hand. As the company continues to elevate its environmental commitment across all properties, it remains steadfast in shaping a future where every stay and every plate contribute to a more sustainable world.