BY ALEX ALAGON
BY ALEX ALAGON
MANILA –McDonald’s Philippines’ MyMcDonald’s Rewards, the first digital loyalty program in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry, is celebrating its first anniversary this August with more value, more rewards, and more exclusive experiences for its loyal customers.
Continuing its promise of “May point ‘yan!” for any and all McDonald’s moments, everyday purchases have become opportunities for customers to earn points that can be redeemed for free McDonald’s favorites, exclusive merchandise, and member-only experiences. Since its launch in 2025, MyMcDonald’s Rewards in the McDonald’s App has strengthened the company’s leadership in digital innovation, offering a level of value that is pioneering and unmatched in the Philippine quick service restaurant (QSR) industry.
“Value is not only about giving customers more for their money—it is also about recognizing every time they choose McDonald’s,” said Katrina Lee-Chua, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Strategy & Insights and Digital. “That belief shaped MyMcDonald’s Rewards from the beginning. We created a program that turns everyday McDonald’s moments into something more meaningful, where every visit, order, and point reflects how much we value our customers’ loyalty. As we mark our first anniversary, we are building on that promise by giving McDo fans even more rewarding ways to experience ‘May Point ’Yan!’”
At the heart of the celebration is the limited-edition McDo Denim Jacket—a commemorative anniversary reward created especially for loyal McDo fans. Beginning August 17, MyMcDonald’s Rewards members can redeem the jacket for 1,200 points at 30 participating stores nationwide, while supplies last.
As a way of giving back to members, McDonald’s Philippines is also launching a special anniversary MyMcDonald’s Rewards Missions through the McDonald’s App. By completing these Missions, members can earn bonus points faster, helping bring them closer to redeeming the anniversary jacket or any of their favorite rewards.
Members can also look forward to a refreshed rewards portfolio with more options for enjoying their McDonald’s favorites, along with a special micro-drama series featuring diverse Filipino stories that bring MyMcDonald’s Rewards moments to life.
“This anniversary is both a celebration of how far MyMcDonald’s Rewards has come and a renewed commitment to what lies ahead,” said Lee-Chua. “We will continue to find more meaningful ways to recognize our customers’ loyalty, make every McDonald’s moment more rewarding, and raise the standard for digital loyalty experiences in the QSR industry and beyond.
“And we’re only getting started. We’ve always said that MyMcDonald’s Rewards is more than just points, and one year later, that idea still guides us. Because for us, loyalty is about making every McDo moment a little more rewarding. And that’s exactly what this anniversary celebration is all about,” added Lee-Chua.
Joining MyMcDonald’s Rewards is simple. Customers only need to download the McDonald’s App on their smartphones and create an account. Then, they can scan their MyMcDonald’s Rewards QR code whenever they purchase at McDonald’s to start earning points. Because at McDonald’s, every meal, every moment, and every visit is rewarding: May Point ‘Yan!’
Devices and support move closer to more customers
- Power Mac Center is growing its retail network in the Davao Region, underscoring its commitment to Apple fans and tech enthusiasts.
- Get the best deals on your favorite Apple and Android devices and accessories when you visit the new PMC and The Loop at Gaisano Mall of Davao.
- Purchases made at Power Mac Center and The Loop can earn customers rewards points they can redeem for devices, accessories, services, and other perks.
Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) is growing its retail network in the Davao Region, opening new stores at Gaisano Mall of Davao. PMC carries Apple devices and branded premium accessories, while The Loop is a multi-brand retail destination that offers both Apple and Android technology, and premium accessories curated for the young generation.
Underscoring PMC’s commitment to tech fans, the additional locations provide another convenient option for product demonstrations, consultations, and related support.
Score the best deals on devices and accessories
This is the sign to upgrade your devices! Power Mac Center celebrates the opening of its Gaisano Mall of Davao stores with exclusive offers for a limited time only.
At PMC, get:
- Up to ₱19,500 off on select iPad models
- Up to ₱17,000 off on select iPhone models
- Up to ₱14,500 off on select MacBook Air models
- Up to ₱2,500 off on select AirPods models
- Up to 20% off on select premium accessories
Offers valid until August 16, 2026 only.
Meanwhile, at The Loop, customers can enjoy the following on August 12, 2026 only:
- Up to P36,000 on select Apple devices + additional up to P6,000 off for KasKasan Buddies members and additional up to P5,000 off for non-KKB members
- Free Gift Certificate for the first 30 KasKasan Buddies members
- P1,000 – First 10 clients
- P500 – Next 20 clients
- Spend a minimum of P2,000 and play the in-store card game for a chance to take home:
- HP Printer
- Premium Accessory
- P500 Gift Certificate
In addition, get:
- Up to P3,500 on select Android devices (Offer valid from August 12-16, 2026 only.)
- Up to P1,000 off on select Android accessories (Offer valid from August 12-16, 2026 only.)
- Up to 50% off on select Premium accessories (Offer valid from August 12-18, 2026 only.)
Terms and conditions apply.
Loyalty program for purchases
Long-time members of 1 Infinite, PMC and The Loop’s premium loyalty program, can continue to enjoy earning points from their purchases at PMC and The Loop Gaisano Mall of Davao.
To become a member, download the 1 Infinite app in the App Store <http://bit.ly/4hljdr2> or Google Play <https://bit.ly/42ovsyK> and sign up. Purchases made in the Web Store <powermaccenter.com> also qualify as long as you’re logged in.
Points may be redeemed for devices, accessories, select services and training courses, and other fees at a regular conversion of 1 point = P1, or P2 on special promotion days. In addition, members may also get up to 50% discount on Apple training courses and other exclusive perks from Basecamp and Mobile Care, PMC’s official training and service arms. Full mechanics may be found here <https://powermaccenter.com/pages/1-infinite>.
Where to buy devices in Davao City
PMC Gaisano Mall of Davao is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Mondays to Sundays. Other PMC stores in the Davao Region are in Ayala Malls Abreeza, Gaisano Mall of Digos, Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Gaisano Mall of Toril, SM Lanang (Apple Premium Partner store), and Sta. Lucia Mall Davao. Meanwhile, The Loop Gaisano Mall of Davao is the 65th branch nationwide, and the second in Davao City, together with the SM City Davao branch.
HOW I wish I could conjure and watch a documentary reel of sorts that could somehow show how our family and clan have grown and developed, starting from that fateful day in August 2007 up till a few days from now in this year of 2026. In all, that is 19 years, Mom, and that is indeed a long time.
Sadly, I can only rely on my mind’s eye for doing that, and as of late, the old memory bank has slowly become unreliable, with its steadily growing lapses and foggy reminiscences.
How often do I wish our eldest brother was still around? Like our father, his memory was as keen and accurate as could be. He remembered the birthdays of everybody in the family, including those of family friends.
All we had to do was check the huge kalendaryo by the stairs, and we were sure to find, encircled with a red Sharpie, all of the birthdays in each month (including death anniversaries of those who’ve passed on.
How great a power was that? Consider this for good measure: my parents have 20 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and six great-greats to date. If my brother were alive today, I’m sure he would have marked down all their birthdays as well in that stairway calendar, the one bearing in bold fonts the name of the appliance store where he got it from.
I even picture, if both of my brother and mom were still here, she would ask as she’s driven to work, whose birthday was it now. Whether that really happened or not, it’s all water under the 19-year-old bridge now. 2007-2026, the dash between those years hides a ton of stories and events, and how I wish I could view most, if not all, once again.
How I wish I could witness once again the old times, when I would bring DVD copies of your favorite 50s movies, and we’d watch them together while you excitedly narrate whatever happened behind-the-scenes of each one. Always with a story to tell, you. That memory surely finds a place in my 19-year review, Mom.
Sometimes I wonder how your great-great-grandchildren will picture and describe you when they’ve finally grown.
Would you be just a photo they see on the wall of the old home or just a blurry impression of a lola culled from stories about you by their elders? I, too, sometimes look back and try to revive old memories of our grandparents and imagine I’m in the dark like they are.
In spite of what the years may lay ahead, failing memory included, there’s still comfort in the thought that you still exist in the people I know, Momsy, and that’s a safe refuge at times. Give or take, fifty years or 19 more, the best comfort is that we are sure to meet again.
GOLD has always been a go-to safety net for protecting money, but today’s investors aren’t stopping there. More and more people are pairing traditional assets with newer digital investments to get the best of both worlds: securing their wealth and giving their money room to grow.
Adding digital gold to the mix is a strategic way to build lasting wealth—and it’s catching on fast across the region. A report by The Economist highlights that Asian countries account for 64.5% of global demand for gold jewelry and bullion, while the World Gold Council noted that digital gold products have seen a major breakout in recent years.
But sticking only to traditional gold and stocks can mean missing out on bigger returns. That’s why many investors view Bitcoin as a complementary pair for gold when it comes to building a well-rounded portfolio.
“Today, Filipinos are looking for ways to protect the value of their hard-earned money amid everyday financial pressures,” says Alden Paul Yburan, head of GCrypto. “By offering digital gold and curated crypto options side-by-side, GCash aims to enable users to build long-term financial resilience and balance their portfolios right within a platform they already trust.”
Why gold investors are looking at Bitcoin
Digital gold offers the stability and inflation hedge traditionally associated with physical gold, holding its ground when the economy gets rocky. However, the digital version eliminates the logistical baggage of physical ownership—there’s no need for trips to a jeweler, no massive upfront cashouts, and zero worry about secure vault storage.
Building on this foundation, investors looking to accelerate portfolio growth are increasingly turning to Bitcoin. As a decentralized digital asset, it has established itself as one of the fastest-growing investments over the last five years, outperforming many traditional funds and local stocks.
A study by Bitwise notes that adding a manageable allocation of Bitcoin to a diversified portfolio has historically improved risk-adjusted returns, allowing investors to increase potential returns without proportionately increasing the portfolio’s overall risk.
Bitcoin also operates on global networks that trade 24/7, giving one the ability to manage or convert your holdings right from your phone. Because its price movements are generally independent of traditional markets, it ensures the portfolio is not entirely exposed to the same market pressures at the same time.
“When you pair them, they complement each other perfectly to balance your portfolio: when traditional markets dip, digital gold acts as your cushion, and when technology and digital adoption skyrocket, Bitcoin acts as your accelerator,” said Yburan.
Moving from gold to crypto in one app
Users can manage both digital gold and Bitcoin directly from their phones using GCrypto on GCash.
Acquiring digital gold has been made accessible through GCrypto. Entry begins at just ₱500, allowing one to grow holdings at their own pace through small, consistent contributions. GOLD in GCrypto is also fully insured, certified, and backed 1:1 by physical gold stored in high-security vaults in Switzerland, with full visibility to monitor, buy, or sell 24/7.
“Transitioning from a stable asset like gold into the broader world of cryptocurrency follows that same user-friendly path,” said Yburan said. “Growing investors can gain direct exposure to Bitcoin—historically one of the fastest-growing modern asset classes—without the hassle of managing multiple external applications. We are removing traditional barriers and enabling more Filipinos to take part in building long-term financial resilience, right within a platform they already trust.”
For those who are feeling a little overwhelmed by the crypto world, GCrypto offers access to A Beginner’s Guide to Crypto, right inside the app, to help understand Bitcoin and other major tokens. The tokens available on GCrypto are also curated for market strength and credibility, helping avoid scams and ‘rug pulls,’ or instances where new coin creators abandon a project and take raised investor funds.
Like GOLD in GCrypto, there’s no need to shell out a massive lump sum to start. GCash users can start exploring Bitcoin and supplement their digital gold investments for as low as ₱500.
Upgrading your financial strategy doesn’t mean abandoning classic financial moves. It’s about expanding your investment choices—giving you both financial peace of mind and the upside of watching your wealth grow.
Alcohol beverage market leader San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) continues to serve world-class brews to celebrate life’s moments with. Enriching each occasion with its best tasting beers, SMB adds a chance to get instant cash with the perks of enjoying San Miguel Beer with the SAN MIGUEL BEER PEEL & WIN GCASH PROMO.
Every SMB drinker can be a “peeling winner” with more than Php50 million worth of prizes throughout the promo. Starting this August, thousands of participants get a chance win up to Php10,000 of instant GCash weekly.
To join SAN MIGUEL BEER PEEL & WIN GCASH PROMO, (1) Simply BUY bottles/cans of any participating SMB brand including San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Red Horse Beer, Red Horse Super, San Mig Light, San Miguel Flavored Beer, and Gold Eagle Beer; (2) PEEL OFF the coupon (earn one (1) coupon for every six (6) 320ml/330ml/500ml bottles/cans or two (2) 1L bottles); (3) SCAN the QR Code to go to the GCash promo page; and (4) SCAN the promo code to redeem and win prizes.
SMB rewards more beer moments with more chances to win with its SAN MIGUEL BEER PEEL & WIN GCASH PROMO. Promo is available nationwide from August 1, 2026 until December 31, 2026. For 18 years old and above only. Drink Responsibly.
For more promos and updates like and follow San Miguel Beer on Facebook (www.facebook.com/sanmiguelbeerphilippines) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/sanmiguelbeerph).
Every home has a story worth sharing, and this year, Idesia is giving homeowners an exciting reason to tell theirs.
Following the success of its inaugural run, Bahay Goals, Buhay Goals Season 2 returns to celebrate the inspiring journeys of Idesia homeowners and homebuyers. Participants are invited to create a short-form vlog showcasing how their Idesia home has become the foundation for life’s meaningful milestones, cherished memories, and personal achievements.
This season’s Grand Prize takes the celebration even further—from a dream home to a dream getaway. The winning entry will receive a 3-day, 2-night trip to Boracay for two, with round-trip airfare and accommodations included, allowing homeowners to create even more unforgettable memories beyond the comfort of their own home.
“Through Bahay Goals, Buhay Goals, we want to celebrate the real experiences of our homeowners and inspire future homebuyers by showing how owning an Idesia home can help turn dreams into reality,” Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina Cruz, CEO & president of P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin.
The competition is open to Idesia homeowners and homebuyers, immediate family members living in the same household, and brokers or sellers who are registered Idesia homeowners or homebuyers. Previous participants who did not place in the Top 3 are also welcome to join.
Eligible entries must come from homeowners of the following Idesia communities:
- Idesia Cabuyao
- Idesia Cabuyao East
- Idesia Dasmariñas
- Idesia Heights
- Idesia Lipa
- Idesia San Jose del Monte
Participants are encouraged to submit a 1- to 3-minute vertical vlog (1080 × 1920) featuring their authentic homeownership journey. Entries must use original or royalty-free music, and only one entry per household is allowed.
Aside from the Grand Prize, participants also have the chance to win exciting rewards, including:
- Second Prize: One-night stay for two at Hotel Okura
- Third Prize: Premium Japanese dining experience for two
- Voter’s Choice Award: ₱3,000 cash prize
- 4th to 10th Placers: ₱500 Uniqlo Gift Certificate and ₱1,000 worth of exclusive Idesia merchandise
The promo period runs from August 14 to October 31, 2026. Winners will be officially announced on November 13, 2026, through Idesia’s official Facebook and Instagram pages, with notifications also sent via registered mail, email, and SMS.
Whether it’s a family’s first Christmas at home, a child’s first steps, a dream kitchen finally realized, or the simple joy of coming home every day, Idesia believes these everyday moments deserve to be celebrated.
From building dreams to creating lasting memories, Bahay Goals, Buhay Goals Season 2 is your chance to inspire others—and perhaps enjoy a well-deserved escape to one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
MANILA, Philippines — The financial sector must modernize how it verifies, protects, and extends credit to millions of unique micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to accelerate financial inclusion across the Philippines, industry leaders urged.
At ‘The Anatomy of Merchant Trust’ executive roundtable co-hosted by IDfy and Mastercard in Manila, executives across banking, fintech, and payments concurred that while consumer adoption of digital payment channels like QR Ph has surged past 57% according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data, traditional merchant infrastructure must evolve to serve the distinct needs of every small vendor, from urban startups to neighborhood sari-sari stores.
The discussion highlighted a critical systemic challenge currently holding legitimate businesses back. Because traditional merchant identity verification remains fragmented and unverified at the micro-level, it trickles down to ecosystem-wide trust issues that compel institutions to enforce rigid, blanket risk policies. Consequently, vast numbers of honest, high-potential merchants who simply lack paper credit histories are turned away from the formal digital economy.
Leaders present at the event highlighted the importance of addressing the gap to complement government-led empowerment efforts. Initiatives like the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) “Tindahan Mo, e-Level Up Mo!” have successfully equipped thousands of small merchants with digital literacy and cashless payment tools. Financial sector leaders emphasized that by streamlining merchant onboarding, such as replacing legacy paper checks and physical audits with automated, risk-based verification, banks and fintechs can seamlessly welcome these newly enabled businesses into the fold.
Internal industry polling conducted during the session underscored this sentiment, with executives identifying business document verification and compliance checks as the single highest-priority workflow for automation, scoring 4.4 out of 5.
Beyond onboarding, attendees noted that safeguarding merchants requires moving from point-in-time checks to continuous protection. By deploying real-time behavioral analytics and continuous fraud monitoring, institutions can defend against threats like document forgery, deepfakes, and post-approval misuse without placing unnecessary friction on legitimate vendors.
“Merchant trust is no longer a one-time verification exercise—it is a continuous lifecycle,” said Raghuraman Chandrashekhar, PH country head of IDfy. “As digital payments scale across the Philippines, institutions must move away from fragmented onboarding and adopt intelligent, risk-based systems that unify identity verification, alternative data, and real-time monitoring. The future of financial inclusion depends on enabling MSMEs to be onboarded quickly and safely at scale.”
To bridge the credit gap for small vendors, financial institutions are increasingly leveraging alternative data, such as digital payment records, utility payments, and transaction footprints. Paired with progressive lending models that scale credit limits as merchants grow, alternative underwriting could unlock formal financing for over one million underserved merchants nationwide.
“Merchant trust extends well beyond onboarding. As more businesses participate in the digital economy, the industry needs to strengthen collaboration across banks, payment providers, fintechs, and technology stakeholders,” said Jason Crasto, Mastercard’s country manager for the Philippines. “Each stakeholder brings unique capabilities, perspectives, and expertise to the table. Through stronger public-private collaboration, shared intelligence, and advanced risk solutions, we can build a more secure, scalable, and inclusive digital ecosystem that empowers Philippine MSMEs to grow with confidence.”
By rebuilding onboarding foundations and adopting continuous risk intelligence, industry leaders agreed that the Philippines can transform strict risk barriers into pathways of opportunity, ensuring every legitimate merchant has the access, security, and capital needed to thrive in the digital economy.
For more information on the roundtable discussion, you may visit www.idfy.ph.
ALAGANG Ayala, an Ayala Group community engagement initiative, aims to partner with Mindanao’s key stakeholders in advancing the region’s health and education sectors and elevating the lives of communities.
At the Wednesdays Media Forum on Aug. 12, Ayala Foundation president Tony Lambino, together with the managing director and chief social infrastructure officer, Paolo Borromeo, and We Are Ayala Business Club (WAABC) of Davao chairman James Lopez, said they are focusing on social infrastructure to support the group’s platforms on health care, education, and improving the human capital in the Philippines.
“We are investing very heavily in social infrastructure platforms because we believe that’s how people will thrive; hence, we launch Alagang Ayala,” Borromeo said.
Borromeo added that a place that is dynamic and diverse like Mindanao can be at its strongest regional progress when there are appropriate health services, quality education, livelihood support, and resilience.
Lambino shared that the foundation is also working with a lot of partners in times of emergencies and disasters through WAABC, such as relief efforts in the recent earthquakes that affected South Cotabato and Sarangani.
Alagang Ayala brings together the platforms of AC Health, iPeople, Ayala Foundation, and Ayala Sustainability to bolster Ayala Group’s contribution to long-term national progress.
The Ayala Group took part in and supported the activities of the ongoing Kadayawan Festival 2026 as well as engaging with local stakeholders.
Ayala Foundation held a training on Aug 8 to help Davao Region journalists to adapt emerging technologies and responsible reporting.
The AC Health platform, through Generika Drugstore and Healthway Medical Network, contributed to the program’s launch via a Wellness Caravan at Magsaysay Park to provide Davaoeños with free medical consultations and medicines.
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