VeritasPay Eyes 40% Merchant Growth Amid Nationwide Expansion

Payment solutions provider VeritasPay Philippines Inc. is targeting a 30–40 percent increase in its merchant base this year, alongside a 45-percent rise in processed transaction volume, supported by continued investments in internal capabilities and strategic partnerships.

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.

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 the point of sale, speed and reliability are critical to customer experience,” VeritasPay president and chief executive officer Christopher James Payne said.

Additionally, he stated that seamless transactions drive both customer satisfaction and business performance.

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, and Over-the-Counter, enabling businesses to accept payments remotely and expand into digital channels without overhauling their existing systems.

“At VeritasPay, we remain committed to empowering businesses by delivering accessible, reliable, and innovative payment solutions that drive growth and long-term success,” VeritasPay general manager and business development head Carl Henrison Tienzo said.

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.

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.

Teamviewer Brings Windows AI API to Assist AR for Clearer, Smarter Remote Assistance to Frontline Workers

SINGAPORE – TeamViewer, the global leader in remote connectivity and digital workplace solutions, has partnered with Microsoft to bring on-device AI capabilities to Assist AR, the remote assistance solution for frontline workers and industrial environments within the TeamViewer Frontline suite. The result is a sharper video for remote supporters guiding field technicians, even when the technician is on a weak or unstable mobile connection.

When a field engineer needs remote guidance to fix a piece of industrial equipment, every second counts. Frontline workers are frequently in locations where mobile coverage is patchy at best: factory floors, remote worksites, or out in the field. A blurry or freezing video feed can be the difference between a quick fix and hours of costly downtime, and traditional remote assistance tools struggle to maintain quality under these conditions.

TeamViewer Assist AR now leverages the new Windows AI API for Video Super Resolution (VSR), announced as a Public Preview at Microsoft Ignite 2025. Assist AR utilises the new capabilities to deliver better video quality in poor network conditions, reduce video artefacts and errors, and optimise bandwidth use. VSR uses models running locally on the receiving device to reconstruct and sharpen incoming video in real time across a broader set of Windows PCs with powerful CPUs.

"TeamViewer is a global leader in Frontline Worker Augmentation and specialises in Remote Guidance. We're thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft to deliver top-tier video resolution even under challenging network conditions for our users. This collaboration underscores our dedication to addressing real-world issues faced by those who keep operations running," says Alfredo Patron, Executive Vice President of Global Partner Ecosystem & Channels at TeamViewer.

Across Asia-Pacific, where patchy mobile coverage remains a daily reality for frontline workers, this translates directly into faster problem resolution, fewer on-site visits, and reduced operational costs for organisations in manufacturing, utilities, healthcare, and field services.

"At Microsoft, we continue to invest in enabling on-device AI capabilities for Windows app developers, and we're pleased to partner with TeamViewer to enhance remote support experiences for our shared customers using the new Windows AI API for Video Super Resolution," said Mik Chernomordikov, Head of Windows Developer Relations and Partnerships at Microsoft.

The VSR-enhanced version of Assist AR is now available in closed Beta, with general availability planned in the coming weeks with VSR on Copilot+ PCs. TeamViewer also intends to bring this capability to other products across its portfolio.

LG xboom Powers Kpop Open Stage 2026, Bringing Fans Together Through Music and Community

LG xboom proudly supported Kpop Open Stage 2026, a fan-led celebration of Korean pop culture held on May 3, 2026, at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas. Organized by the Philippine Kpop Convention, the event brought together hundreds of Hallyu enthusiasts for a day of music, entertainment, and meaningful fan interactions.

Kpop Open Stage 2026 served as a platform for fans to express their passion for K-pop through a range of activities that fostered creativity, camaraderie, and community engagement. Attendees enjoyed an exciting lineup of performances, interactive games, raffle draws, photocard trading sessions, and a lively Random Play Dance party that kept the energy high throughout the day.

One of the event's main highlights was its open-stage format, which allowed aspiring performers to showcase their talents in front of fellow fans. Participants took the stage as solo artists and groups, performing popular K-pop songs and dance routines while demonstrating their dedication and creativity. The format encouraged self-expression and provided a welcoming environment where fans could connect through their shared love for Korean music and culture.

As a major sponsor of the event, LG xboom played an important role in supporting the performance competition and enhancing the overall experience for participants. Known for delivering powerful sound and immersive audio experiences, LG xboom aligned perfectly with the event's celebration of music and entertainment.

To recognize outstanding performances, LG xboom provided exciting prizes for top performers, including the LG xboom Grab and LG xboom Bounce portable speakers. These innovative audio products are designed to deliver high-quality sound, making them ideal companions for music lovers who want to enjoy their favorite tracks anytime and anywhere.

The partnership between LG xboom and Kpop Open Stage 2026 reflects a shared commitment to bringing people together through music and meaningful experiences. By supporting fan-driven events, LG xboom continues to strengthen connections within communities while empowering individuals to celebrate their passions.

Beyond the performances and prizes, the event highlighted the growing influence of K-pop culture in the Philippines and the strong sense of belonging it creates among fans. Through initiatives like Kpop Open Stage 2026, fans are given opportunities to connect, collaborate, and create lasting memories.

With its support of this vibrant celebration, LG xboom once again demonstrated its dedication to enhancing moments that matter, proving that great sound has the power to unite people and create unforgettable experiences.

Relive Your Best Memories with the Vivo V70's Film Camera Mode 3.0

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Some memories stay with us not because of the destination, but because of the people who shared the experience. For a group of friends navigating life after college, a spontaneous trip to Enchanted Kingdom became a chance to reconnect, relive old memories, and create new ones worth remembering.

Stepping into the country's beloved amusement park felt like a journey back to simpler times. The day was filled with endless laughter, thrilling rides, blurry group photos, and carefree conversations that brought back the energy and excitement of their university years. It was the kind of experience that deserved to be captured in a way that reflected not only what happened but also how it felt.

This is where the Vivo V70's Film Camera Mode 3.0 shines.

Designed to transform everyday moments into timeless memories, Film Camera Mode 3.0 adds a nostalgic touch to photos while preserving the emotions behind every shot. During the Enchanted Kingdom adventure, natural daylight was enhanced with softer tones, colorful attractions appeared warmer and more inviting, and candid moments gained an authentic film-inspired character.

The amusement park served as the perfect setting to explore the feature's creative capabilities. Between exciting rides and spontaneous photo sessions, friends captured memories that felt both fresh and familiar. Each image told a story, reflecting the joy, friendship, and nostalgia that defined the day.

Film Camera Mode 3.0 offers a variety of filters that allow users to personalize how their memories are preserved. The Pack Film filter brings playful retro charm, while Classic Negative adds rich contrast and timeless appeal. Positive Film delivers bright and cheerful imagery, making every moment feel vibrant and uplifting. Meanwhile, Cold Film creates a cinematic atmosphere perfect for reflective scenes.

For those who appreciate vintage aesthetics, Nostalgia recreates the warmth and character of printed photographs. Sunshine, on the other hand, enhances natural lighting with a soft glow that beautifully complements outdoor adventures.

Together, these filters give users the freedom to decide not just how a photo looks, but how a memory feels when revisited years later.

What sets the Vivo V70 apart is its ability to romanticize everyday experiences. Rather than simply documenting reality, it transforms ordinary moments into cinematic keepsakes that feel deeply personal and emotionally meaningful.

Because sometimes, the best photos are the ones that instantly transport you back to who you were—young, spontaneous, carefree, and surrounded by the people who mattered most.

Relive your own nostalgic moments with the Vivo V70. Visit Vivo stores nationwide or shop through Vivo's official online stores today.

Back to School, but Not for All: Plan International Pilipinas Urges Urgent Action on Hidden Barriers Keeping Girls Out of Classrooms

Metro Manila— As millions of Filipino students return to school this June, Plan International Pilipinas is sounding the alarm for countless girls across the country who are facing many barriers that keep them from coming back — period poverty, unpaid domestic labor, and teenage pregnancy. The girls’ and children's rights organization is calling on government agencies, schools, and families to move beyond enrollment numbers and confront these obstacles.

“Every June, we celebrate the return to school, but for too many girls, the bigger story is what is stopping them from fully being there,” said Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director, Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang. “Period poverty, unpaid caregiving, and teenage pregnancy are not personal problems; they are systemic failures that we have the responsibility to address. Plan International Pilipinas is calling on everyone — from lawmakers to school principals and parents — to make this the school year we address these barriers head-on.”

Girls are missing school because of their periods

8% of girls in the Philippines reported skipping school because of menstruation, according to the World Bank. Some girls miss classes due to severe menstrual pain, lack of access to menstrual products, and fear of bullying or discrimination associated with periods. Findings from the Sang pour Sang Project revealed that 96% of menstruators in the Philippines have experienced at least one form of menstrual discrimination, including teasing, exclusion, and stigma related to menstruation.

Limited menstrual health education continues to shape how many girls view and manage menstruation. UNFPA Philippines noted that shame, stigma, and misinformation surrounding periods can discourage girls from asking for help, accessing proper menstrual products, and fully participating in school activities. Girls from remote and disadvantaged communities, including those with disabilities, also shared that menstruation often causes anxiety, shame, and discomfort, especially in schools with inadequate facilities and support.

As one of the solutions to address these barriers, Plan International Pilipinas, in partnership with UNICEF and the Philippine Government, launched the Oky Period Tracker App — a girl co-created digital tool that provides reliable menstrual health information and personalized cycle tracking, helping girls manage their periods with confidence and dignity. Since its launch, the app has reached over 187,000 registered users in the Philippines, with half of the online users remaining consistently active. An independent assessment by BBC Media Action found that 18 out of 24 adolescent girls interviewed in the Philippines credited the app with significantly improving their understanding of menstrual health and bodily changes — and that nearly two-thirds reported feeling more open and less embarrassed about their periods. The app has also been used in school integration sessions to engage adolescent boys, with educators observing reduced period-related bullying and greater empathy toward female peers.

“Menstrual health is not just a hygiene issue — it is an education issue,” said Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas. “When girls cannot afford menstrual products or are too ashamed to ask for help, they miss class, fall behind, and eventually drop out. We need better facilities, more affordable products, and innovative solutions like the Oky App to equip girls with accurate information and tools to manage their periods with confidence — so that no girl has to choose between her period and her future.”

Plan International Pilipinas has backed this with action by hosting its "Period Pains: Tackling the Challenges of Menstrual Equity" workshop in 2021 and distributing MHM kits to girls nationwide in partnership with the San Beda CAS Student Council, MARADECA Inc., and the Quezon City government.

Unpaid domestic work is pushing girls out of classrooms

Unpaid domestic and caregiving responsibilities also continue to affect girls’ education and future opportunities. Plan International’s landmark longitudinal study, Real Choices, Real Lives — which tracked 142 girls across nine countries, including the Philippines, from birth to age 18 — found that girls spend an average of 5 hours and 15 minutes per day on unpaid domestic work, leaving little time for schoolwork and pushing families to pull girls out of school when that trade-off no longer seems financially justified. Data from EDCOM II reinforces this: nine in ten economically inactive women identified household and family duties as the main reason they could not participate in the labor force.

EDCOM II also reported that the “need to work” contributes to 44.17% of school dropouts among Filipino youth, highlighting how economic pressures continue to interrupt education.

Rising teenage pregnancy rates are forcing even more girls out of school

Teenage pregnancy remains a significant barrier to girls’ education. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority recorded 138,697 live births among females aged 10 to 19 in 2024, including 3,560 cases involving girls aged 10 to 14 — an increase from 3,343 cases in 2023.

The underlying conditions are alarming. A 2024 study commissioned with support from Plan International Pilipinas in Occidental Mindoro found that among girls under 15, adolescent pregnancies surged by 35% between 2021 and 2022. The same study, drawing on national data, found that 78% of sexually active youth reported having unprotected sex during their first sexual encounter — a direct consequence of an information gap so severe that four in ten young people say they have no access to trustworthy sources on sexual health. Under current law, minors cannot access modern contraceptives without written parental consent, leaving girls who most need protection without it.

NGO calls on governments, schools, and families to act

Plan International Pilipinas emphasized that addressing barriers to education requires coordinated action from schools, communities, government agencies, families, and civil society organizations. The organization continues to advocate for safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where girls can access education, information, protection, and opportunities without discrimination - and calls on the public to #StandwithGirls by supporting efforts that break down systemic barriers and ensure every girl can stay in school and reach her full potential.

Founded in 1961, Plan International Pilipinas is a girls’ and child rights organization working to advance children’s rights and equality for girls through programs focused on education, health, protection, youth leadership, and humanitarian response.