Exclusive LRT-2 and MRT-3 cashback up to 30% with GCash Commute QR

As more commuters embrace digital payments in their daily routine, GCash is expanding its support for cashless public transportation with a cashback promo for all LRT-2 riders and eligible MRT-3 riders who use the GCash Commute QR for their train fares.

From July 20 to August 20, 2026, eligible commuters who pay via GCash Commute QR will receive a 20-30% cashback on their LRT-2 and MRT-3 fare. It will be credited directly to the user's GCash e-wallet based on the scheduled payout dates.

“Innovation is most meaningful when it removes everyday friction and makes essential services more accessible. With GCash Commute QR, we're making cashless commuting simpler,” said Ferdie Perez, VP and head of innovation at GCash.

Furthermore, the initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts of GCash to expand the use of digital payments across everyday services, including public transportation, supporting broader access to convenient and cashless commuting options for Filipinos.

"This cashback promo is a way to help invite more commuters to experience the ease of using digital fare payments and brings added value on their everyday journeys," he added.

Commuters with a fully verified and active GCash account can enjoy exclusive cashback offers when they pay for their fares using GCash Commute QR during the respective promo periods. LRT-2 commuters can receive 20% cashback on eligible rides. New GCash Commute QR users on MRT-3, on the other hand, can enjoy 30% cashback on their first three rides, while the promo runs until August 20, 2026.

GCash continues to work with transport partners to expand cashless payment options that support a more convenient and accessible commuting experience for Filipinos.

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

Anko Unveils New Home Collection Inspired by Global Design Trends

Metro Manila, Philippines — Australian home and lifestyle brand Anko is bringing a fresh wave of inspiration to Filipino homes with the launch of its newest Home collection, offering stylish, practical, and affordable pieces designed to help homeowners refresh their spaces without breaking the bank.

Available beginning July 30 at Anko stores in TriNoma, Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Gateway Mall 1, the collection features a carefully curated range of décor, kitchenware, and household essentials that embrace today's most popular global interior design trends. Select items are already available in stores.

Created by Anko's in-house design and buying team in Melbourne, the collection reflects the growing desire for homes that are both expressive and calming. Instead of encouraging costly renovations, Anko focuses on affordable updates that allow homeowners to personalize existing spaces through thoughtfully designed accessories and functional home essentials.

Leading the collection is the Playful Pattern Layering trend, which introduces bold stripes, gingham prints, and vibrant colors into everyday living. Products such as the Blue Stripe Dinner Plates, Bow Cushions, and Pink Stripe Storage Box encourage homeowners to mix and match patterns to create lively, welcoming interiors, especially in compact condominium spaces where bright accents can make rooms feel more spacious.

The collection also embraces the Return of Warm Tones, replacing cool minimalist palettes with comforting shades of chocolate brown, sage green, blush pink, and earthy neutrals. These colors create a cozy atmosphere while offering a refreshing visual escape from the tropical heat. Complementing this trend are products like the Rustica Dinnerware Collection, Chevron Bath Towels, and plush Bow Cushions designed for everyday comfort.

For those who prefer timeless elegance, Anko introduces its interpretation of Quiet Luxury through sculptural ceramics, marble-inspired finishes, and softly curved décor pieces. Highlights include the Textured Wavy Ceramic Vase, Green Twist Edge Decor Tray, Chrome Amiri Lamp, and Goldie Rechargeable Wall Sconce, delivering premium aesthetics at accessible prices.

Beyond décor, the Home collection extends into the kitchen with practical yet stylish items including Mini Frypans, Pink Mesh Baskets, novelty candles, and the viral Fruit and Flower Mugs that have quickly become customer favorites.

Anko also proves that meaningful home updates don't require a large budget. With several decorative pieces priced at just ₱300, shoppers can easily refresh their homes with items like Linear Crates, Fruit Napkins, and Succulent in Wavy Pots.

By combining modern design, everyday functionality, and affordable pricing, Anko's latest Home collection empowers Filipino families to create personalized living spaces that reflect their style while making every home feel warmer, brighter, and more inviting.

BlockShoals Technologies, Inc. Joins FinTech Alliance PH, Reinforcing Its Compliance-First Commitment to the Philippine Digital Asset Ecosystem

MANILA, Philippines — BlockShoals Technologies, Inc. (BlockShoals), the Philippine-incorporated fintech company approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to operate as a Crypto Asset Intermediary (CAI) under the SEC's Strategic Sandbox (StratBox) framework, today announced its membership in the FinTech Alliance PH, the country's premier and largest digital industry association.

The membership aligns BlockShoals with an organization that comprises over 100 corporate members collectively accounting for more than 95% of the country's digital retail financial transaction volume. As the first organization of its kind in Asia, the FinTech Alliance PH pioneered the establishment of an industry-led Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics and continues to serve as a vital resource for regulators, policymakers, and legislators in advancing inclusive digital finance.

For BlockShoals, joining the Alliance advances its vision to be the most trusted and reliable Crypto Asset Intermediary in the Philippines and the region, setting the benchmark for regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and operational excellence in the digital asset industry. BlockShoals is the locally registered and regulated entity through which Binance products and services are made available to users in the Philippines, operating under the direct supervision of the SEC within the StratBox framework. In that structure, BlockShoals holds local regulatory responsibility, user-facing operations, and compliance obligations, while Binance provides technology infrastructure and operational support as the global partner.

Institutionalized under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 9, Series of 2024 and administered through the SEC's PhiliFintech Innovation Office (PhiliFINNO), the StratBox is a regulatory tool that allows participants to test an innovative product, service, or business model in a live and controlled environment under the supervision and guidance of the Commission. The framework is designed to advance responsible innovation while strengthening consumer protection.

"We are honored to join the FinTech Alliance PH, an organization whose credibility and standards mirror the principles on which BlockShoals was built," said Alfredo "Al" Panlilio, Chairman of BlockShoals Technologies, Inc. "Our vision is to be the most trusted and reliable Crypto Asset Intermediary in the Philippines and the region, setting the benchmark for regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and operational excellence. We pursue that vision by promoting compliance as the foundation of responsible digital asset services, advancing financial education and inclusion, upholding the highest standards of integrity and operational reliability, and partnering with global industry leaders to deliver world-class infrastructure within a fully compliant Philippine framework. Success is not measured by market share alone, but by the trust we earn from regulators, customers, partners, and the communities we serve."

Through its membership, BlockShoals looks forward to contributing to the Alliance's work on digital payments, financial education, consumer protection, and the broader agenda of inclusive digital finance in the Philippines.

DITO Wins Best Network Award for the Second Consecutive Time, While Competition Heats Up Across the Philippines

The Philippine telecommunications industry continues to raise the bar as operators compete to deliver faster, more reliable, and higher-quality mobile experiences. In the latest independent network performance report, DITO Telecommunity once again emerged as the Best Network, securing the prestigious title for the second consecutive reporting period. The achievement highlights DITO's continued investment in network infrastructure and its commitment to providing reliable connectivity for Filipino consumers.

One of DITO's most notable accomplishments is its fifth consecutive Reliability Experience award, earning an impressive 838 points on a 100–1000 point scale. This consistent performance demonstrates the company's ability to maintain stable network connections, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted browsing, streaming, video calls, and online work. Reliability has become one of the most important factors for mobile users, making DITO's sustained success a significant milestone in the country's highly competitive telecom landscape.

While DITO led the overall network category, Smart Communications continued to dominate user experience awards. Smart secured outright victories in Games Experience, 5G Games Experience, Voice App Experience, and 5G Voice App Experience, reinforcing its reputation as the preferred network for gamers and users who rely heavily on communication apps. Overall, Smart increased its total award count from six in the previous report to eight, reflecting continuous improvements across multiple service categories.

Meanwhile, Globe Telecom achieved one of the biggest competitive gains in the latest report by turning Consistent Quality into an outright victory. This marks the sharpest competitive shift since the previous reporting period, highlighting Globe's efforts to enhance network stability and customer satisfaction. The company also successfully retained its Coverage Experience award, emphasizing its extensive nationwide network reach and ability to provide service across more locations.

The latest report illustrates how competition among the country's three major telecom providers continues to benefit Filipino consumers. Rather than one company dominating every category, each provider has demonstrated strengths in different aspects of mobile connectivity. DITO leads in overall network performance and reliability, Smart excels in gaming and voice application experiences, while Globe maintains leadership in coverage and consistent service quality.

As demand for faster internet, 5G services, cloud applications, and digital lifestyles continues to grow, telecom providers are expected to invest even more aggressively in network upgrades and infrastructure. For consumers, this ongoing rivalry translates into better mobile experiences, improved service reliability, expanded coverage, and greater value. Ultimately, healthy competition among DITO, Smart, and Globe is driving innovation and helping shape the future of digital connectivity in the Philippines.

Binance Appoints Jen Bilango as New General Manager For The Philippines

Manila, Philippines - Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and digital asset infrastructure provider, together with its partner BlockShoals Technologies (“BlockShoals”), officially welcomes a new member to its leadership team, Jen Bilango, as their General Manager.

An experienced executive in the blockchain space, Jen Bilango’s experience includes serving as General Manager at BlockchainSpace, an international hub empowering web3 communities across Southeast Asia, including gaming, creator economies, sports, and even music.

Bilango also represented the Philippines in the massive Web3 title, The Sandbox, during her tenure with BlockchainSpace, creating initiatives and guiding teams that led to the launch of the first-ever country-specific NFT asset sale on the Sandbox Platform. Aside from working with Web3 communities and platforms, Bilango also served as the Country Manager for a local licensed crypto exchange and was part of the exchange’s push towards global expansion and launch of the PHPC stablecoin.​
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Aside from the blockchain, Bilango’s also gained expertise working in the field of investment banking. Serving as a Board Director for Mabuhay Capital Corporation, taking the lead in multi-million dollar transactions across healthcare, financial services, real estate, and other major industries. Bilango also worked closely with regulators during her tenure with Mabuhay Capital Corporation, a key background that will help Binance navigate its own SEC and regulatory compliance journey in preparation for its entry into the Philippines.

Now embarking on a new role, Jen Bilango brings her combined experience from fostering trading communities, pushing for Web3 expansion, and working with Financial institutions to further blockchain adoption in the Philippines through Binance PH by Blockshoals.

“I am excited and incredibly grateful for this appointment by Binance PH,” says Jen Bilango. She also adds, “It’s an amazing opportunity to be part of the world’s leading blockchain brand in working to ensure full compliance and regulatory measures in our entry to the Philippines and reconnect with the Filipino community and welcome new adopters to blockchain technology.”

“We’re really glad to have Jen on board with us as we gear up for our official launch in the Philippines”, states SB Seker, Head of APAC at Binance. “Her experience is a testament to her expertise, and we’re excited about what we can achieve together”. He also added, “Jen is a fantastic individual who helped push for mainstream crypto adoption in the Philippines. Her roots in the community will surely help us not just reinvigorate the Filipinos’ interest in Binance and in crypto in general, but also to create something special for blockchain adopters in the Philippines.”