HUAWEI Band 11 Series: A Smart Fitness Companion for an Active Lifestyle

Manila, Philippines — HUAWEI continues to transform everyday movement into meaningful progress toward a healthier lifestyle with the launch of the HUAWEI Band 11 Series. Designed for individuals who want to stay active without the bulk of traditional smartwatches, the wearable combines advanced health monitoring, intelligent fitness features, and a sleek design that fits seamlessly into daily routines.

As the world’s No. 1 wearable brand, HUAWEI developed the Band 11 Series to deliver powerful performance in a lightweight and comfortable device. The wearable features an ultra-thin design measuring just 8.99 mm and weighing only 16 to 18 grams, making it comfortable enough for all-day use. Despite its compact size, the band includes a vibrant 1.62-inch AMOLED display that remains bright and easy to read even under direct sunlight.

Content creator Jae Miranda appreciates the balance of style and function the HUAWEI Band 11 provides. Whether he is jogging in the morning, exploring new cafés, or editing content late at night, the band keeps track of his steps, heart rate, and sleep data effortlessly. The upgraded Hex grid interface and brightness levels of up to 2,000 nits on the HUAWEI Band 11 Pro ensure that key information is always visible. With up to 14 days of battery life, users can focus on their activities without worrying about frequent charging.

For fitness enthusiasts like Marline Capones, the HUAWEI Band 11 Series serves as a reliable training partner. With more than 100 sports modes and built-in independent GPS on the Pro model, users can track pace, distance, and routes without needing a smartphone. Features such as Track Run Mode and Running Posture Analysis provide accurate performance insights, helping runners improve efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. Recovery tools like HRV monitoring and AI-powered running plans further support balanced training and recovery.

The wearable also supports athletes like basketball player Tyler Tio, who relies on real-time heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking to maintain peak performance. The durable straps and lightweight design make it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, while health features such as HUAWEI TruSleep™ 4.0 and pulse-wave arrhythmia analysis provide deeper wellness insights.

Beyond fitness tracking, the HUAWEI Band 11 Series also enhances everyday convenience. With features like GCash Watch Pay for QR payments and Quick Replies for messages, users can stay connected without constantly reaching for their phones.

The HUAWEI Band 11 starts at PHP 2,399, while the HUAWEI Band 11 Pro is available for PHP 4,499 through major online platforms and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. With advanced features, stylish design, and smart convenience, the HUAWEI Band 11 Series is built to support modern, active lifestyles.

GCash Waives Transaction Fees for Overseas Filipinos in the Middle East

GCash is waiving transaction fees on bank transfers, bill payments, and mobile load purchases for GCash Overseas users in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to help ease their financial burden amid the ongoing developments in the Middle East.

This initiative allows overseas Filipinos in affected areas to stay connected with loved ones back home and to receive assistance without added costs. This supports the national government's continuing efforts to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

Waived transaction fees will be credited back via in-app cashback. No registration is required, and eligible fees will be automatically returned to GCash user accounts, and users will receive an in-app notification confirming that the cashback has been successfully credited.

For transactions made from March 4—10, 2026, cashback will be credited back to users on March 20, 2026. Transactions from March 11—14, 2026, will receive cashbacks on March 27, 2026.

GCash will continue to closely monitor developments in the region and assess the need for a possible extension of these financial relief measures as necessary.

GCash encourages Overseas Filipinos requiring urgent assistance to coordinate directly with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, or contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers through their official hotlines and channels for emergency support.

Emergency assistance contact information:

• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17GRFGUm1V/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Department of Migrant Workers (DMW): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AiUG5noo1/?mibextid=wwXIfr or contact the DMW One Repatriation Command Center at 1348 DMW-OWWA 24/7 Hotline or via email at repat@dmw.gov.ph.
• Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YM5KAQJcS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• GCash Help Center: Visit help.gcash.com by chatting with Gigi or by calling the official GCash hotline at 2882

For more information, please visit: https://gcash.com/promos/gcash-waves-transactionfees-for-ofws-in-middle-east.

Building a Generation of Digital Leaders: Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program Champions Safer Online Spaces

Ten years after its launch, Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) has officially reached a historic milestone, reaching more than two million students and educators nationwide. What began in 2016 as a corporate initiative to teach online safety and responsibility has grown into a nationwide movement against fast-evolving digital risks. When classrooms shifted online during the pandemic, Globe adapted quickly, converting modules into digital courses on the Globe of Good YouTube channel. These resources have been viewed over 432,000 times, ensuring learning continues anytime, anywhere.

DTP equips learners with practical skills to navigate the online world safely, from protecting personal data to practicing cyber ethics and responsible technology use. By turning awareness into action, the program empowers students not just to protect themselves but also to guide others in their communities.

In 2019, Globe partnered with the Department of Education to strengthen DTP’s impact, integrating lessons on responsible online behavior into the K–12 values formation curriculum and giving millions of students and teachers structured guidance to navigate digital spaces safely.

In 2025 alone, 16,560 students and teachers participated in DTP workshops and learning sessions nationwide.

Taking the initiative further, Globe launched the Digital Thumbprint Student Ambassador Program in 2025 with Technological Institute of the Philippines as the pilot school. Student ambassadors will now act as peer mentors who will share digital safety knowledge with classmates and vulnerable communities and create a multiplying effect of awareness and protection nationwide.

The 2026 curriculum now features 36 stackable modules, in recognition of the evolving digital landscape, including AI ethics, digital etiquette, Philippine cyber laws, and digital rights, designed to combat current threats that didn't exist when the program began. Structured across basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, the curriculum guides learners through each stage with facilitated training sessions, helping them build mastery and confidence in navigating the modern digital landscape.

“Reaching the 10-year mark is a testament to the urgency and importance of our mission. When we started in 2016, we talked about passwords; today, we are talking about AI ethics and digital empathy. With our new student ambassadors leading the charge, we are not just teaching safety; we are building a nation of digital guardians,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

This commitment to digital literacy and online safety has also gained recognition. In the 2026 Consumer Choice Awards by Standard Insights, Globe earned Excellence in Digital Literacy and Safety, a new category introduced this year. Among professionals, Globe ranked highest in digital literacy, reflecting its role in enabling productivity and responsible digital engagement. Among students, its online safety initiatives also stood out, highlighting the growing importance of protection in an increasingly connected society.

A decade in, DTP is more than a program; it is a legacy of #AlagangGlobe and action. By empowering students as digital leaders, Globe continues to help build a safer and more responsible digital Philippines, protecting digital thumbprints while inspiring the next generation to lead online with confidence.

Drawing on the company’s DTP journey, Globe helped shape the global discourse on digital inclusion by contributing to the development of GSMA’s "The Business Imperative for Digital Inclusion". This serves as a guide that helps mobile operators embed digital inclusion into their strategies, track progress, and report their impact transparently. This view digital inclusion as a holistic ecosystem, encompassing access, skills, meaningful use, and a supportive environment.

For more information about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Barangay Tejeros Tops Coca-Cola Philippines’ Barangay Tapon to Ipon Initiative

Barangay Tejeros in Makati City has proven how shared goals can turn everyday recycling into a lasting community practice. Recognised as the top-performing barangay in Coca-Cola Philippines’ Barangay Tapon to Ipon program, Barangay Tejeros demonstrated how shared action strengthened community bonds, improved waste segregation, and encouraged inclusive recycling.

The awarding ceremony, held at the Barangay Tejeros basketball court, culminated in a community fiesta featuring games and activities. After placing second the previous year, Barangay Tejeros rose to the top spot in the latest run of the program, reflecting sustained participation and commitment across the community.

The event brings the community together through interactive games, prizes, and shared merienda, celebrating the winning barangay’s achievement while reinforcing recycling as a fun, inclusive, and owned community practice.

Recognizing grassroots recycling efforts

Barangay Tapon to Ipon is a yearly, nationwide community recycling initiative powered by Coca-Cola Philippines in partnership with barangays, local leaders, and sari-sari store owners. The program engaged barangays, residents, and sari-sari stores across Metro Manila to collect and properly segregate PET bottles. It supports barangays in implementing Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, while helping build sustainable recycling habits at the grassroots level.

This year, 20 barangays around Metro Manila joined the friendly competition, collecting PET bottles while strengthening waste segregation and recycling practices. The awarding ceremony recognized the barangay’s collective effort, highlighting the role of residents, youth volunteers, and sari-sari stores in driving impact at the local level.

Barangay Tejeros collected nearly 40,000 PET bottles, equivalent to 698 kilograms, followed by Barangay 114 in Caloocan City in second place with a collection of about 21,000 (375 KG), and Barangay Moonwalk in Parañaque City for third place with 17,000 (310 KG).

Barangay Chairman Wilfredo S. Leonardo said visible results motivated their community to stay engaged and take pride in their efforts. “Noong nakaraang taon po, second place lang kami. Siyempre, gusto na naming maging number one. Kaya nang dumating ang pagkakataong ito, sinabi ko talaga sa mga kasamahan ko na gagawin namin ang lahat para makuha ang number one,” Leonardo said. “Pinasasalamatan po namin ang Coca-Cola sa patuloy na pagpili sa aming barangay upang maging bahagi ng programang ito. Kaya inalagaan at sinuportahan namin nang husto ang aming pagsali dito.”

(“Last year, we were only in second place. Of course, we wanted to be number one. That’s why when this opportunity came around, I encouraged everyone to do our best so we can be number one.” Leonardo said. “We are grateful to Coca-Cola for consistently inviting us to join their program. We will continue supporting and joining this cause.”)

Along with their recognition, Barangay Tejeros was given 10 Coca-Cola stools made from recycled plastic, a Barangay Tapon to Ipon tent, Coca-Cola beverages for community events, and a Premium Linis Barangay Kit with cleaning and safety supplies. The barangay plans to integrate these into existing programs and continue encouraging participation from households and sari-sari stores.

Sustaining momentum beyond the campaign

For Coca-Cola Philippines, the nationwide recycling initiative forms part of a broader collection initiative, which includes over 6,000 collection points nationwide. The aim is to bring the collected bottles to PETValue Philippines, the country’s first food-grade bottle-to-bottle recycling facility located in General Trias, Cavite. PETValue Philippines processes used PET bottles and transforms them into recycled PET (rPET), which can be used to produce new food-grade beverage bottles.

“Programs like Barangay Tapon to Ipon foster the spirit of bayanihan, bringing communities together to achieve a shared goal,” said Tony Del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Franchise Operations East of Coca‑Cola Far East Limited (CCFEL). “By making recycling fun and engaging, we help barangays build a culture of sustainability, where collective action at the grassroots creates ripple effects that can help strengthen recycling practices in communities across the country.”

Through this effort, Coca-Cola Philippines continues its commitment to collection and sustainability by working alongside barangays and local partners to turn local action into long-term recycling habits and responsible waste management.

To learn more about Coca-Cola Philippines’ sustainability initiatives, visit the company’s Sustainability Hub at www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/sustainability.

3 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success If You Want To Start Freelancing

MANILA, Philippines – Freelancing opens doors to career flexibility: choosing your clients and projects, setting your own hours, and building your career on your terms. In theory, freelancing sounds simple: work with multiple international clients, do good work, and grow your income. 

But it’s rarely that straightforward. Beyond the work itself, there’s a lot you’ll need to figure out, such as finding the right clients, managing workload, and staying on top of your finances in what can be a very unpredictable setup.

This is where many new freelancers get stuck. It’s not just about being good at what you do; it’s knowing how to navigate the business side of it, too. If you’re a freelancer who’s just getting started, here are three practical tips from freelancing experts on how to set yourself up for success.

Build yourself as much as you build your client base

If you spend all your time on client work, it’s difficult to grow your freelance career long-term. At some point, you hit a ceiling, moving from one deadline to the next, with no time to actually build anything beyond your current workload.

But while you might be great at copywriting, design, or accounting, as a freelancer, you’re also responsible for finding leads, keeping up with new technology, staying updated on trends, and regularly updating your portfolio.

As Arnel Legaspi Jr, CPA, shares, “When I started, I thought if I was good at social media marketing, learned enough tools, and delivered well, everything would fall into place. But freelancing tests your boundaries, your self-worth, your discipline, and your money mindset.”

Putting time into improving yourself doesn’t guarantee instant results, but it does make a difference for you. Over time, it helps you price your work higher and expand what you can offer to a broader range of clients.

Build structure into your work and into your days

To build yourself, you need to be intentional about how you manage your workdays. Time management is part of this, but building structure goes beyond simply blocking off your calendar. It’s about creating systems that make your work easier to manage and more efficient.

One way to do this is by creating templates and workflows you can rely on. Ehdina Tindoy, founder of Spark Creative Solutions, says, “Having predefined frameworks for planning, execution, and review significantly reduced decision fatigue and improved turnaround time. In addition, I tracked how I spent my time, from planning and outsourcing to execution and revision. This helped me identify bottlenecks, optimize my process, and continuously improve efficiency.”

When you add structure to your work, you spend more time getting things done and free up time for other activities beyond just chasing deadlines!

Build your money system

The income of a freelancer can be unpredictable. Delays in payments, issues with transfer platforms – without a system in place, it’s easy to find yourself in a panic. As Arnel points out, “Protection is just as important as saving and investing. Income growth is good, but income protection is critical.”

One tool that can help you manage your income is the new GCash Virtual US Account, designed to help freelancers earning in USD avoid losing money to steep exchange rates and platform transfer fees.

Powered by technology company Meridian1, the GCash Virtual US Account provides you with your own ACH and Wire Routing Number that you can share with US employers to facilitate direct transfers. This allows you to receive the full amount of your earnings.

You can then move your USD to your GCash e-wallet and choose exactly when to convert it based on when rates are most favourable to you. With live, updated, and competitive forex rates displayed in the app, you always know how much you’ll get. It’s safe and easy to use!

Once your funds have been withdrawn to your e-wallet, you can do more with your cash throughout the app, such as pay utility bills and other necessities, save, and even invest.

Creating a GCash Virtual US Account is easy in just a few steps. 

• Open the GCash app. 
• Tap US Accounts in the Explore the App section
• Tap Continue and verify your information
• Complete your account creation

1 GCash Virtual US Accounts are issued and maintained by Meridian Payments US under a "for the benefit of" arrangement. These are not bank accounts and do not qualify as deposits; hence, they are not covered by any deposit insurance schemes.