Make the Most of the Last Few Weeks of Summer with These Smart Finds and Deals from GCash

Manila, Philippines – Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to squeeze in a few more moments of fun with your barkada. Whether you’re finally booking that long- overdue barkada staycation, finally pushing through with your workout plans, or organizing a potluck at home, the key to making the most of summer is spending smart.

One way to do that is by using GCash to unlock exclusive deals and perks, so you can still check off your summer bucket list while getting the most out of every purchase! Just in case you need that extra nudge to finally make those plans happen, here are a few ideas on how you can spend smarter and bring the whole barkada together for the last few weeks of summer.

Host one last barkada feast before everyone gets busy again

What truly makes summer memorable isn’t who you’re spending it with - and one of the best ways to enjoy the company of your favorite people is when you share a meal! So why not organize one final food trip, merienda run, or potluck before summer ends?

Jamba Juice is offering a summer exclusive worth sharing – just buy 2 12oz smoothies for only PHP 245 and pay with GCash. This saves you PHP 145 on selected flavors. For pizza lovers, Angel’s Pizza is giving one free Saba Con Yelo for every minimum single-receipt purchase of PHP 800 for dine-in and takeout orders. And if your group loves trying out new spots, Tien Ma’s is offering a free dessert with a minimum spend of PHP 500 - because no shared meal is complete without something sweet at the end.

Refresh your summer essentials while sales are still on

Before the season wraps up, now is the perfect time to stock up on the essentials you’re still missing. Whether that’s a new pair of sandals, travel organizers, or last-minute beauty finds, you may want to check out your cart while sales are still on. Here’s why: when you check out your Lazada carts on May 4-7 and June 5-8, you instantly get PHP 100 off when you pay with GCash – just make sure you reach a minimum spend of PHP 2,500.

On TikTok Shop, you can also enjoy an additional PHP 50 off on purchases worth at least PHP 1,500 when selecting GCash as your payment method from May 18-24.

Turn your fitness plans into a barkada activity

Summer is also prime time for movement. If you’ve been trying to lure your friends out for more active weekends – like running together or trying a new studio class – maybe a few deals along the way could help make your invitation more enticing.

You and your friends can upgrade your activewear at Nike and get 10% off for a minimum purchase of PHP 12,000 when you use GCash to pay in-store. For everyday active basics, Bench is offering PHP 150 off with a minimum spend of PHP 2,000.

And if your workout era is about to get even more serious with better playlists and fitness tracking, you can head on over to Power Mac Center and receive a free limited-edition PMC x Laut Wrist Strap with Puffer Pouch when you spend at least PHP 30,000 (with at least PHP 10,000 paid via GCash). Purchases worth Php20,000 at The Loop with the same GCash minimum spend also unlock free Belkin earphones.

Plan a quick city escape

Not every barkada summer hangout needs a plane ticket abroad. Sometimes, all you need is a staycation in the city to make it feel like an escape.

If you love checking for hotels out on Klook, you can score 10% off on hotel bookings with a minimum spend of PHP 8,000 when you pay with GCash. Meanwhile, new users on Trip.com can also get up to PHP 400 off on eligible outlet bookings for a minimum spend of PHP 5,000 when using GCash.These savings make barkada plans a whole lot easier to lock in, because everybody is guaranteed to save more!

Make summer spending feel lighter with GCash

The summer season always seems to pass faster than expected, but there’s still time to squeeze in a few more memorable moments with your barkada. With these exclusive deals, making your plans happen just becomes even more worth it. Download the GCash app today and say YES to making the most out of the season!

Converge Bolsters BPO Industry Resilience with Subsea Cable Investments

Taguig City, Philippines — Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) is ramping up its support for the Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, citing world-class digital infrastructure as the primary catalyst for the industry’s continued global leadership.

Converge Global Business, the company’s corporate and large enterprise unit, recently hosted the Elevating Connections forum at its BGC headquarters. The event convened top industry leaders to address the escalating technological demands of the IT-BPM sector, with discussions focused on how strategic partnerships and robust connectivity are essential to sustaining the Philippines’ economic momentum.

Jack Madrid, President and CEO of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), underscored the sector's role as a fundamental pillar of the national economy.

"As we shift to higher-value services and embrace a more digitally-driven global landscape, our continued growth depends on world-class digital infrastructure," Madrid said. "Strategic partnerships with leading technology providers ensure we maintain global competitiveness and continue to elevate Filipino talent on the world stage."

The forum highlighted the shift in operational requirements for modern BPOs, which now face increased demands for secure data management, AI integration, and the support of permanent hybrid workforces. Industry leaders noted that any interruption in connectivity directly impacts revenue and international client trust, making network redundancy a top priority for telecom procurement.

In response to these needs, Converge reaffirmed its commitment to a robust infrastructure expansion initiative. Grace Jarin-Castillo, Senior Vice President for Sales & Marketing at Converge Global Business, stated that the company is continuously investing in both local and international assets to ensure scalability and redundancy for its stakeholders.

"We recognize that seamless connectivity is the lifeblood of global operations," Jarin-Castillo noted. "We are committed to delivering the robust, diverse, and scalable solutions necessary for this dynamic sector to support its customers, both locally and abroad."

Central to this commitment is Converge’s investment in massive subsea cable systems. As a consortium owner of the 5,000-kilometer SEA-H2X Cable System, Converge provides direct links to major Asian markets. Furthermore, its partnership in the 20,000-kilometer Bifrost Cable System will enable secure, high-capacity connectivity from Southeast Asia to North America.

With a fiber network now spanning over 896,000 kilometers, Converge Global Business remains positioned to support the large-scale requirements of the country’s leading BPOs, ensuring the Philippines remains the destination of choice for global outsourcing.

Ready to future-proof your BPO operations? Contact Converge Global Business for tailored, enterprise-grade connectivity solutions or visit www.convergeict.com/enterprise

HUAWEI and Ateneo Graduate School of Business Elevate the MBA Learning Experience with the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026

Manila, Philippines — HUAWEI Philippines recently collaborated with the Ateneo Graduate School of Business Student Council (AGSB Student Council) to support AGSB students in navigating the rigorous demands of graduate education. Through the Strategic Management (STRAMA) Deep Dive, the initiative enabled AGSB students to experience the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026, allowing them to strengthen their approach to complex problem-solving, data analysis, and decision-making with greater clarity and discipline in preparation for leadership roles.

As part of this shared goal, HUAWEI introduced the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 through an interactive product showcase booth during the STRAMA Deep Dive on April 25. This allowed AGSB students to experience its latest innovations firsthand and understand how purposeful digital tools can reduce academic friction and support more adaptable study workflows.

The STRAMA Deep Dive sessions brought together approximately 60 graduate AGSB students onsite and 100 participants online per session, held on April 11 and April 25 at the APS Amphitheater, Ateneo de Manila University – Rockwell Campus.

“HUAWEI’s commitment to innovation is reflected in how the device integrates both hardware and software,” said John Carlo Capanas, AGSB Student Council Vice President for External Affairs. “After using the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026, I gained a better appreciation for how they design products for productivity. Everything, from the display to the accessories to the apps, works together to create a more efficient workflow.”

By providing a smart, responsive ecosystem, HUAWEI illustrates how technology elevates MBA learning well beyond basic efficiency. It helps AGSB students build the essential digital skills they need for the corporate world while fostering the responsibility, focus, and intentionality to be effective leaders in complex, high-stakes environments.

Unlocking Graduate-Level Efficiency with Powerful and PC-Like Performance

Navigating the intensive STRAMA sessions required the flexibility and strategic mindset expected of top-tier executives. As part of the collaboration, AGSB students used the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 to remove the traditional friction between on-the-go convenience and heavy-duty academic analysis. Rather than being tied to a desk, they were able to leverage the tablet’s PC-Level WPS Office 3.0 to process intricate datasets and draft comprehensive papers on the go.

The device’s evolved 4-in-1 productivity ecosystem further enhances this adaptability. Equipped with the HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard, M-Pencil (3rd Gen), and Bluetooth mouse, the tablet instantly transforms into a full workstation. With robust spreadsheet functionalities at their fingertips, the platform enabled students to perform data-intensive analysis with the speed, precision, and reliability of a traditional laptop.

“As an MBA student, 'Lite' versions of software just don't cut it. WPS Office 3.0 is a game-changer because it provides a PC-level experience. When I’m analyzing market trends or writing my thesis, I have the full power of desktop-grade tools. I can open multiple windows, run complex formulas, and format documents exactly as I would on a computer. It makes the academic 'heavy lifting' feel effortless,” shared by Christian Jerome De Guzman, AGSB Student Council Officer-in-Charge for the Finance and Resource Management Committee.

Sustaining Focus with the Ultra-Clear PaperMatte Display, HUAWEI Notes, and GoPaint

Strategic foresight during the rigorous STRAMA sessions needs focus to simulate real-world corporate work. This requires AGSB students to synthesize volumes of case studies, journals, and industry reports, while managing cognitive load to prevent fatigue.

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 supports this journey by easing the heavy academic burden through its 11.5-inch 2.8K Ultra-Clear 3rd Gen PaperMatte Display. By combining high-precision nanoscale anti-glare technology with 3A+ glass, the tablet’s display blocks 99% of ambient light interference and significantly reduces screen sparkle by 50%. This results in a soothing, paper-like viewing experience that dramatically cuts down on the visual strain typical of traditional monitors.

“The PaperMatte Display is something I didn’t realize I needed until I experienced it. It feels closer to reading on paper, which makes long study sessions much more comfortable,” said Mary Jazel Louise Espiritu, AGSB Student Council Treasurer. “There’s less glare and eye strain, so I can focus longer—especially when going through heavy readings or reviewing documents late at night.”

Students and professionals can efficiently organize their research in HUAWEI Notes using Note Replay, AI Equation Recognition, and AI handwriting enhancement. They can also enjoy the free GoPaint app’s versatile digital canvas for mapping out complex strategic frameworks or exploring creative illustration.

By delivering a display that eases visual fatigue while encouraging creative problem-solving with HUAWEI Notes and GoPaint app, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 helps users develop the mental focus to stay organized and productive to solve complex problems.

All-Day Performance and Entertainment-Ready Portability

A crucial part of leadership formation is maintaining a sustainable pace, especially during intensive STRAMA sessions where MBA students must deliver high-level strategic work while managing their time efficiently. To support this balanced lifestyle, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 features an ultra-thin 6.1 mm design and a reliable 8,800 mAh battery, allowing students to seamlessly transition from campus collaborations to home study without worrying about charging.

When it is time to step away from complex research, the tablet also transforms into an entertainment hub. Its high-resolution 2.8K display and immersive multi-driver speakers provide a rich audiovisual experience, offering students a refined way to unwind after a productive day.

“For me, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 is really about making things more manageable. As a graduate student, there are a lot of demands. So having a device that helps you stay organized, productive, and focused makes a real difference. It becomes more than just a device—it becomes part of how you navigate your daily responsibilities,” said John Carlo Capanas, AGSB Student Council Vice President for External Affairs.

Get PC-Level Power for Future Professionals with the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026

The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 is designed to support both professional and academic needs. Available for PHP 29,999, it comes as a comprehensive 4-in-1 bundle, complete with the tablet, HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard, M-Pencil (3rd Gen), and a Bluetooth mouse—providing a full PC-level workspace right out of the box.

To learn more about how HUAWEI’s digital tools can empower the student experience, visit HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide, the HUAWEI Online Store, or HUAWEI’s official social media pages (Facebook | Instagram).

Home Is the New HQ and Connectivity Is Everything

After COVID blurred the line between home and office, a new wave of disruption - driven by rising fuel costs and global instability - is again forcing workers to get things done from home. But PLDT COO Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez Jr. says the country's current mode is not, and should no longer just be, about crisis response. For many Filipinos, home has truly become the HQ, with connectivity the backbone of productivity and income.

What began as a temporary adjustment has increasingly become a structural change. Homes are now extensions of offices, classrooms, and small businesses—placing new demands on residential connectivity that go well beyond entertainment or casual use. Against this backdrop, PLDT Home is positioning reliable connectivity as a form of everyday national infrastructure that supports livelihoods, education, and economic participation.

PLDT’s network has long supported mission-critical operations of enterprises, financial institutions, and government agencies, where reliability and uptime are non-negotiable. According to Jimenez, those same standards are now being applied to home broadband services.

PLDT Home’s fiber-led network is supported by AI-enabled monitoring and intelligent traffic management designed to detect issues early, manage peak demand, and strengthen overall resilience. “The objective is to ensure that connectivity at home can sustain professional-grade use, particularly for Filipinos whose income and productivity depend on being online,” Jimenez said.

As the line between office and home continues to blur, PLDT Home sees enterprise-level reliability as no longer confined to business districts, but increasingly essential inside households across the country.

Connectivity as an economic enabler

The country’s expanding remote workforce—particularly in the VA, freelancing, BPO, and digital services sectors—has made connectivity reliability an economic concern. For many Filipino workers, a dropped connection no longer means inconvenience; it can translate to lost income, missed opportunities, or weakened credibility with global clients.

Jimenez said PLDT Home’s strategy is anchored on ensuring connectivity remains dependable even as external pressures mount.

“Filipinos are already carrying a heavy load—navigating global uncertainty while continuing to deliver for their employers, clients, schools, and families,” Jimenez said. “Our role is to make sure connectivity is one less thing they have to worry about. When the network is reliable, Filipinos can remain reliable too, wherever they’re working from.”


Rising transportation costs, inflation, and ongoing global uncertainty have also renewed attention on remote work as a policy and economic response. Under the Work From Home Law (RA 11165), flexible work arrangements are increasingly viewed as a way to ease household pressures while sustaining productivity.

In response, PLDT Home has expanded efforts to support home-based work, including dedicated work-from-home packages, network upgrades, resilience features such as hybrid backup connectivity, and wider fiber access. While these are delivered through customer-facing offerings, the company said the broader objective is to strengthen digital readiness and ensure Filipinos can remain productive regardless of location.

As work-from-home arrangements become more permanent and the digital economy continues to expand, PLDT Home views residential connectivity as part of the nation’s digital backbone—closely linked to enterprise infrastructure and economic participation. In a period marked by overlapping crises, the company said its commitment remains clear: to help ensure Filipino homes stay connected, productive, and dependable, so that even amid uncertainty, daily life and work can continue with confidence.

Over 3,500 Barangays to Get Connected Under PLDT’s Rural Internet Expansion Program

Thousands of previously unconnected barangays across the country will soon have internet coverage, enabling livelihood, education, and digitalized delivery of public services, among other benefits of connectivity. Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) is intensifying its efforts to expand connectivity nationwide, including geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) through strategic coordination with key government agencies.

In close coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), among other agencies, PLDT aims to accelerate network deployment across the country, ensuring inclusive access to reliable connectivity to support online learning, enhance the delivery of government services and enable businesses of all sizes to participate in the digital economy.

“Strategic collaboration with the government allows us to overcome long-standing challenges in infrastructure deployment. When public and private sectors work in sync, we can speed up connectivity rollouts and ensure that even the most remote areas benefit from the country’s digital transformation,” said Roderick S. Santiago, Head of Network Strategy and Architecture at PLDT and Smart.

These latest efforts build on PLDT’s longstanding work with the government to remove barriers to network rollout. The Group has been an active partner of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and a leading voice in the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), consistently championing regulatory reforms for inclusive connectivity.

Since 2019, PLDT and Smart have worked closely with ARTA, DILG, DICT, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), LGUs, and industry stakeholders to streamline telco-related permitting nationwide. This collaboration paved the way for the issuance of Executive Order No. 32, which was signed by the President in 2023, and which institutionalized streamlined processes for the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

Through sustained investments in network expansion and enhancement, PLDT and Smart are bridging the digital divide and empowering communities in remote and underserved areas to participate fully in an increasingly connected society.

As PLDT and Smart ramp up partnerships with key government bodies, they remain focused on long-term reforms that can institutionalize faster, more inclusive, and future-proof connectivity for all Filipinos.