Buenas PH Bolsters Gaming Reach With Top Creators’ Partnership to Combat Scam iGaming Sites

Manila, Philippines – Buenas PH, a licensed e-casino operator under HHR Philippines Inc. (HHRPI), cements its commitment to setting the benchmark for creator responsibility and viewer safety in the rapidly evolving Philippine iGaming sector by partnering with the country’s most influential gaming and streaming personalities.

This initiative marks a turning point in the promotion of digital gaming. Notable leaders in the iGaming and streaming communities, including Boss Toyo, ChooxTv, Beatmaster, ForeignGerms, Hypebits, and celebrity Mark Herras, are utilizing their massive platforms, totaling a combined social media reach of over 150 million, to lead a community-wide shift toward regulated and ethical iGaming.

"This partnership with Buenas PH isn't just about entertainment, but about ensuring that the influence held by our top creators is used to cultivate a healthy, secure, and transparent culture for every fan. Together, we are moving toward a safer, more responsible community," said Julius “Banoobs” Mariano, Founder of YGS Live.

This strategic partnership with top gaming ambassadors in the country aims to champion the protection of the Filipino gaming community. By aligning exclusively with a licensed operator like Buenas PH, these creators are helping narrow the gap for unlicensed and scam platforms that often target unsuspecting viewers.

“Influencers already exist in this space. Our goal is to move creators away from unlicensed platforms and into the regulated ecosystem," added Mariano.

This movement to clean up the digital space is welcomed by industry leaders who see it as a necessary step toward bringing back industry confidence.

“The industry lost trust last year,” Jev Mark Macam, President of 888 Luxury Legacy Corporation, observed. “The path back is transparency, regulation, and visible safeguards.”

Atty. Anthony "Tony" Manguiat, President of HHR Philippines Inc. (HHRPI), emphasized that for Buenas PH, "Regulation is the solution to ‘rampant’ access. It means KYC (Know Your Customer), age checks, and safeguards."

Manguiat further enforces the brand’s stance on regulatory compliance as a competitive advantage: “We don’t treat PAGCOR as a threat; we treat PAGCOR oversight as consumer protection. Gaming is entertainment, amusement, and recreation. That’s the framework regulation is meant to protect.”

The announcement coincided with the successful Grand Finals of the first-ever Battle of the Streamers at City of Dreams Manila. As the presenting partner, Buenas PH saw the country’s top creators compete for a PHP 11-million prize pool in an event that combined high-stakes play with a commitment to integrity.

As the flagship program of YGS Live and powered by Pragmatic Play and streamed through Loco Live, a platform that offers real-time, no delay livestream, the Battle of the Streamers showcases Buenas PH’s commitment to high-quality, responsible, and community-driven content. The initiative further reinforces YGS Live’s advocacy by actively discouraging creators from promoting unlicensed or scam-based platforms.

As one of the most prominent ambassadors of Buenas PH, Boss Toyo, known for his deep connection with the Filipino grassroots community, sees his role as a bridge between the industry and the public.

"Content creation is already here. So it's better to teach people what's illegal versus legal and how to play responsibly," he said.

Beyond digital advocacy, the partnership extends into community impact. Boss Toyo leads a series of initiatives under Buenas Cares, the brand’s charity arm. The program brings the platform's audience to the forefront through community engagements and outreach activities, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility.

As the Philippine iGaming landscape continues to mature, the collective voice of Buenas PH and its partner creators serves as a powerful catalyst for a more credible digital economy, setting a new gold standard for safe, creator-focused entertainment in the Philippines.

For more updates, users may visit the official Buenas PH and YGS Live Facebook pages.

Coca-Cola Philippines Drives Water Stewardship With Reforestation Activity at La Mesa Watershed

MANILA, Philippines – Coca-Cola Philippines employees gathered at La Mesa Dam on December 17, 2025, for a tree-planting activity with the Million Trees Foundation, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability through hands-on volunteerism. The effort highlighted how corporate participation and community action can help protect one of Metro Manila’s most critical water sources.

At the Million Trees Nursery and Eco Learning Center within the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City, Coca-Cola Philippines employees came together to plant native seedlings. The initiative forms part of the larger Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC), a long-term watershed rehabilitation program that began under Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and is now being sustained by the Million Trees Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) with the goal of planting 10 million more trees by 2030.

La Mesa Dam is Metro Manila’s primary watershed and one of the remaining major forest reserves in the region. Its protection is essential to ensuring a clean, stable water supply for the capital. Reforestation efforts—especially those that focus on tree-growing, not just tree-planting—contribute to soil conservation, improved groundwater recharge, and long-term ecological resilience.

“The strength of the Million Trees Initiative comes from collective effort. When partners like Coca-Cola Philippines show up on the ground, it accelerates our work to restore critical watersheds like La Mesa,” Mr. Melandrew T. Velasco, Million Trees Foundation Inc, President and Executive Director. “Each seedling planted today is part of a bigger commitment to protect the ecosystems that support millions of Filipinos.”

For employee volunteers, the activity was a meaningful way to take part in environmental protection while gaining a deeper appreciation of watershed stewardship — a core focus of the company’s Sustainability Matters campaign. “Today proved that sustainability is about action — and that small efforts become meaningful when we work as one,” said Maria Christine Garcia, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL), underscored how employee volunteerism strengthens the company’s sustainability goals.

“Our sustainability journey is grounded in strong partnerships, long-term commitments, and the dedication of our people. Initiatives like this underscore the vital role each of us plays in safeguarding essential resources such as the La Mesa Watershed,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca-Cola Far East Limited. “This activity reflects our broader commitment to environmental stewardship and to collaborating with communities and partners to create lasting, meaningful impact.”

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives, the public may visit www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability.

Security Bank Caps 2025 Expansion With 377 Branches Nationwide

Makati, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation capped off 2025 with the opening of five new branches in December, bringing its nationwide branch network to 377 branches and reinforcing its commitment to making banking more accessible and inclusive across the country.

The December openings mark a strong finish to a year of sustained expansion, reflecting Security Bank’s continued focus on bringing BetterBanking closer to more Filipinos, supporting households, entrepreneurs, and growing communities nationwide.

In Luzon, the Bank opened new branches in Guagua, Pampanga, and Batangas City Highway, strengthening its presence in high-growth corridors serving both residential communities and key transport routes. In Metro Manila, the opening of Caloocan–Camarin enhanced access to banking services in a strategically located and rapidly developing area.

In the Visayas, new branches in Calbayog and Cebu–Mahi further extend the Bank’s reach to communities that support local enterprises, regional trade, and a growing base of individual and SME clients.

“This month’s branch openings are yet another affirmation of our unwavering commitment to customer-centricity. It is a deliberate investment in what truly matters: the needs, convenience, and aspirations of our clients,” said Leslie Cham, Executive Vice President and Branch Banking Head at Security Bank.

As its network grows, Security Bank continues to elevate the in-branch experience. Each new location is designed to meet a wide range of customer needs—from everyday transactions to long-term financial planning—while seamlessly integrating with the Bank’s digital channels.

For more information on Security Bank’s products, services, and branch locations, visit www.securitybank.com or follow Security Bank on social media.

Vivo Philippines Celebrates Berry Christmas 2025 with SUV and Smartphone Giveaway

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Cheers and excitement filled the OMODA & JAECCOO Pasig branch on January 16 as Vivo Philippines held the Berry Christmas 2025 Raffle Draw, rewarding loyal customers with premium prizes nationwide. The event transformed holiday shopping into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, with 11 major winners taking home high-value rewards.

Ten lucky customers won brand-new Vivo V60 smartphones, while one grand winner drove away a JAECOO J7 SHS SUV worth PHP 1,549,000. The nationwide raffle ran from November 15, 2025, to January 10, 2026, reinforcing Vivo’s commitment to giving back to its customers during the holiday season.

Customers qualified for the grand prize by purchasing a minimum of PHP 8,000 worth of Vivo smartphones from any official Vivo store nationwide. Meanwhile, buyers of vehicles from participating OMODA & JAECCOO dealerships became eligible to win a Vivo V60 smartphone. All raffle entries were verified and drawn under the supervision of a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) representative, Ms. Cheryl Pelo, ensuring transparency and fairness.

During Vivo Philippines’ Facebook livestream on January 16, 2025, Clarina Bañal was announced as the grand winner. She received the JAECOO J7 SHS SUV, a plug-in hybrid vehicle featuring the Super Hybrid System (SHS). The SUV offers an impressive 1,488-kilometer driving range, over 100 kilometers of fuel-free electric driving, and a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The ten Vivo V60 winners are Roberto Dela Rosa Del Rosario, Earl Edward Cruz, Gerry Santos Angeles, Nemesio Conti Jr., Kristea Mae Santos, Sherwin Demani Beguico, Maureen Grace Yu Llamas, Richmond Carlo Reyes Quiambao, Mercia Gesmundo Riego, and Mark Oliver Garbo Canson. Each received a Vivo V60 (12GB RAM + 256GB storage) valued at PHP 28,999, featuring a 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, Stage Mode for cinematic videos, AI Four-Season Portrait, and the stylish Berry Purple design.

Beyond the prizes, the event highlighted Vivo’s innovation-driven partnership with OMODA & JAECCOO Philippines. According to Fritz Gerald De Ocampo, Marketing Manager of OJPH, the collaboration reflects a shared vision of advancing technology both on the road and in everyday life.

All winners will be notified via registered mail, email, and SMS, with official announcements posted on Vivo Philippines’ Facebook page. As Berry Christmas 2025 concludes, Vivo looks ahead to more exciting promotions in 2026, continuing its promise of innovation, style, and exceptional value.

Lenovo CIO Playbook: Asia Pacific Enterprises Shift from AI Experiments to Execution in 2026

According to the Lenovo CIO Playbook, enterprises across the Asia Pacific region are entering a new phase of artificial intelligence adoption—one that prioritizes execution over experimentation. Recent data shows that 96% of organizations in the Asia Pacific plan to increase their AI investments in 2026, with spending expected to rise by an average of 15%. This momentum is mirrored across ASEAN+ markets, where enterprises are aligning AI initiatives with clear business outcomes rather than isolated pilots.

For CIOs in the region, AI is no longer just a technology upgrade—it is a strategic growth driver. Revenue growth, improved profitability, and enhanced business and customer experiences have emerged as the top AI-driven priorities. This shift reflects a broader move toward outcomes-led AI adoption, where success is measured by tangible returns. Notably, 88% of organizations now expect positive ROI from their AI investments, with an anticipated average return of 2.8 times their initial spend.

AI adoption is also expanding beyond traditional IT departments. Around 66% of enterprises are already piloting or systematically using AI, and many report that non-IT teams are actively funding AI initiatives. Functions such as marketing, operations, finance, and customer service are increasingly driving demand, accelerating enterprise-wide AI integration.

One of the most significant emerging trends is Agentic AI—systems capable of autonomous decision-making and task execution. Interest in Agentic AI is expected to double over the next 12 months as organizations explore its potential to improve efficiency and responsiveness. However, despite growing enthusiasm, only a small percentage of enterprises feel ready to scale Agentic AI due to persistent challenges around governance, security, data quality, and system integration.

From an infrastructure perspective, hybrid AI has become the default enterprise architecture. Organizations are combining on-premises, cloud, and edge environments to balance performance, regulatory compliance, and security requirements. At the same time, rising inferencing demands are reshaping CIO priorities, with projections indicating that AI compute workloads will increasingly shift toward inferencing by 2030.

Employee productivity is another key focus area. Half of all enterprise PC purchases are expected to transition to AI-optimized devices equipped with on-device AI agents, signaling a move toward more intelligent, assistive work environments.

Despite strong confidence in AI’s value, scaling remains a critical challenge. Only about half of AI proofs-of-concept successfully reach production, highlighting the need for better execution frameworks, governance models, and cross-functional alignment as enterprises move deeper into the AI-driven future.