BY ALEX ALAGON
BDO Unibank (BDO) is the sole Philippine bank ranked among the top 10 most valuable banking brands in ASEAN, as recognized by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, at the Asia Brand Gala 2025 in Singapore.
Earlier in 2025, BDO was also named the Philippines’ most valuable brand for the second consecutive year, with its brand value rising 48% to US$ 3.7 billion.
This accolade reflects BDO’s continued focus on enhancing customer experience, promoting financial inclusion, and driving operational excellence.
Alex Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance Asia Pacific, shared “BDO’s consistent performance and strong reputation are testament to its ability to align brand strength with business results – pillars that continue to reinforce its leadership in the Philippine banking industry.”
Cebu Pacific (CEB) opens 2026 with the release of its new brand film, “Si Cebie at Ako,” which follows the journey of an aspiring flight attendant and illustrates a truth that many can relate to: Every dream we hold close, comes with challenges—but it’s our willingness to keep going that turns those dreams into reality.
The release of the film marks the start of CEBs’ 30th Anniversary celebration this year.
“For three decades, Cebu Pacific has lived this truth,” says Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “Through hurdles, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty, what kept us going was the belief that every flight we operate brings someone closer to their dream—closer to family, to opportunities, to new beginnings.”
Over the years, CEB has flown Filipinos wherever they need to be—whether for reunions, cultural experiences, or long-awaited adventures.
Beyond connecting people between destinations, the airline has also been part of journeys that turn personal aspirations into milestones, enabling EveryJuan to move closer to their goals with every flight.
In navigating these journeys, CEB witnesses both obstacles and triumphs among the people it serves every day. Having faced similar experiences itself, the airline highlights the inspiring stories of perseverance, grit, and hope of every Juan it flies.
Watch the full brand film here and be reminded that no matter where the journey leads, dreams are always worth chasing.
Teachers play a vital role not only in shaping young minds but also in building stronger, more resilient communities. Recognizing their invaluable contributions, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its subsidiary Legazpi Savings Bank (LSB), continues to champion educators by providing financial solutions and celebrating their role as mentors and nation-builders.
“Teacher, ikaw naman ngayon.” This simple yet powerful message captures the essence of LSB’s tribute to Filipino educators. Over the years, LSB has empowered more than 67,000 teachers nationwide, highlighting its long-standing contribution to the teaching community. From January to November 2025, the bank recorded an 82% year-on-year growth in its loan portfolio due largely to stronger sales execution supported by improved training and manpower management.
Further demonstrating its long-term commitment to promoting financial inclusion, LSB has opened 12 Branch Lite Units (BLUs) nationwide, bringing reliable and affordable financial services closer to teachers where they live and work. This expansion ensures that more educators can access the support they need without disruption to their daily responsibilities.
Strengthening Partnerships for Education
LSB has deepened its collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders to implement programs that uplift teachers and enhance learning environments. These initiatives include:
- Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte
- Brigada Eskwela in Bacacay, Albay
- National Teachers’ Month (NTM) Kick-Off in Koronadal City, South Cotabato
- NTM Mid-Month Celebration in Dumaguete City
Through these partnerships, LSB reinforces its dedication to improving the lives of educators and fostering a culture of appreciation for their service.
Celebrating Teachers Nationwide
LSB proudly supported the NTM culminating activity last October 6, where over 12,000 teachers and education leadersgathered to celebrate National Teachers’ Day.
“Teachers are at the heart of nation-building. Through our partnership with DepEd and the support of BPI and LSB, we are proud to give back to those who have dedicated their lives to shaping future generations,” said Jerome Minglana, LSB President. “All these reflect our vision of helping build a better Philippines—one family, one school, one community at a time.”
Empowering Educators Through Financial Solutions
At the core of LSB’s offerings is the Teacher’s Loan, its flagship product designed to provide educators with quick, convenient, and worry-free access to funds. This solution allows teachers to:
- Apply, submit requirements, and sign loan documents online
- Avoid leaving their classrooms or disrupting their day
- Borrow up to Php 2 million with just one payslip required
- Enjoy fast approval and release
With support from BPI and availability across more than 1,200 BPI and BanKo branches, the Teacher’s Loan ensures that educators can focus on what matters most—their students and their personal well-being.
A Year-Round Commitment
Through meaningful partnerships, relevant financial products, and a steadfast commitment to financial inclusion, LSB continues to honor the nation’s teachers—not just during NTM, but all year round.
For more information about LSB, visit https://www.legazpibank.com.ph.
Tacloban City — Maxim Rides & Food Delivery driver-partners participated in a blood letting event organized by Barangay 84 in collaboration with Eastern Visayas Medical Center on December 19, 2025, at the Barangay 84 Multi-purpose Hall. Maxim joined the initiative after receiving a formal invitation from the Barangay 84 local government, which encouraged private sector partners and community members to support public health and community welfare efforts.
A total of 15 Maxim driver-partners voluntarily took part in the activity, contributing to the collection of approximately 7 liters of blood to help replenish local blood supplies and support patients in need of transfusions. The initiative highlighted the important role of community volunteers in strengthening local healthcare efforts.
To recognize their participation and generosity, Maxim provided the participating driver-partners with one week of zero commission on the platform, allowing them to maximize their earnings while continuing to support meaningful community causes.
“We are proud of our driver-partners who willingly take part in initiatives that directly benefit the community,” said Sedpre Jabagat, Head of Maxim Tacloban. “These efforts reflect our shared commitment to being responsible and engaged members of the communities we serve.”
Kagawad Caloy, organizer of the blood letting activity, also underscored the importance of such collaborations. “This blood letting activity helps address the shortage of blood supply at Eastern Visayas Medical Center, which serves patients across Region 8,” said Kagawad Caloy. “Ngayong Pasko, nagbigay tayo ng regalong hindi nabibili. Ang dugo na nagliligtas ng buhay.”
The activity reflects Maxim’s continued support for community-led programs in Tacloban City, demonstrating how collaboration between barangay units and private sector stakeholders can help promote public health and social responsibility.
AS 2026 unfolds, one reality has become impossible to ignore. For many Filipinos, a single job is no longer enough. Side hustles have moved from the margins of economic life to its center, not as hobbies or temporary fixes, but as deliberate strategies for survival, stability, and growth.
This shift did not happen overnight. It is the result of years of rising costs, uncertain job markets, technological acceleration, and a workforce that has learned, sometimes painfully, that traditional employment alone cannot always guarantee security. In 2026, side hustles are no longer about extra income for luxuries. They are about resilience.
What we are witnessing is not laziness or lack of loyalty to employers, as some critics suggest. It is adaptability. It is people responding intelligently to a changing world.
For decades, Filipinos were taught to aspire to stable, full-time employment as the ultimate goal. That promise has weakened. Inflation continues to strain household budgets. Job security feels fragile. Benefits are not always guaranteed. Many workers now realize that relying on a single income stream places them one emergency away from crisis.
Side hustles have become a practical response to this reality. They allow individuals to cushion financial shocks, support families, and prepare for uncertain futures. In 2026, having multiple sources of income is no longer seen as ambition. It is seen as responsibility. This cultural shift is especially evident among young professionals, parents, educators, and even retirees who refuse to be passive in the face of economic uncertainty.
One of the most significant developments shaping side hustles in 2026 is the normalization of home-based and remote work. What was once considered an exception has become an expectation. Remote work has dismantled geographic barriers that once limited opportunities. Filipinos from provinces, caregiving parents, and individuals with mobility constraints now participate in global labor markets without leaving their homes. This has changed not only where work happens, but who gets access to it.
Home-based work has also reshaped how people define productivity. Output now matters more than physical presence. Skills matter more than location. Flexibility matters more than rigid schedules. This shift has empowered many, but it has also exposed inequalities in digital access and infrastructure. While some thrive in remote setups, others remain excluded due to unreliable internet or lack of digital skills. This is a gap that institutions can no longer ignore.
In 2026, side hustles are not only about money. They are expressions of identity, talent, and agency. Freelancers offer digital services that reflect their expertise. Online tutors share knowledge beyond classroom walls. Micro-entrepreneurs sell products that carry personal stories and creativity. Content creators build communities around shared experiences and ideas. These forms of work challenge outdated notions of productivity. They show that value creation does not always fit neatly into job descriptions. They recognize that people are more than their primary employment titles.
Side hustles allow individuals to claim ownership of their skills and time. They turn passion into purpose and effort into opportunity. Yet, it would be dishonest to romanticize the rise of side hustles without acknowledging their costs. Many workers juggle multiple roles at the expense of rest. Boundaries between work and personal life blur, especially in home-based setups. Income can be inconsistent. Benefits such as health insurance and paid leave are often absent.
There is also a growing pressure to constantly monetize every skill or interest. Not everything needs to become a hustle. Not everyone should be expected to work endlessly just to survive. The challenge in 2026 is not whether side hustles will continue, but how society can support those who rely on them without glorifying burnout.
The rise of side hustles sends a clear message to institutions. The world of work has changed faster than policies and mindsets. Employers must recognize that workers with side hustles are not disloyal. They are realistic. Flexible arrangements, outcome-based performance, and respect for work-life balance are no longer perks. They are necessities.
Educational institutions must also adapt. Preparing students for the future means teaching digital literacy, communication, financial management, and self-directed learning. Side hustles require discipline and adaptability, not just talent. Government and policymakers must acknowledge that a growing portion of the workforce operates outside traditional employment structures. Protection, training, and access to digital infrastructure must evolve to match this reality.
At their core, side hustles in 2026 represent agency. They show people refusing to remain powerless in systems that no longer fully protect them. They reflect creativity in the face of constraint and courage in uncertain times. This does not mean everyone should hustle endlessly. It means people deserve options. They deserve systems that support multiple paths to stability and dignity. The Filipino workforce has always been resourceful. In 2026, that resourcefulness is visible in how people design their livelihoods on their own terms.
Our homes, digital platforms, and virtual workplaces now speak of transformation. They tell stories of individuals rewriting the rules of work, not out of rebellion, but out of necessity. Side hustles are not symptoms of failure. They are responses to reality. They show us where systems fall short and where people step up. As we move deeper into 2026, the question is not whether side hustles will remain. The question is whether our institutions, policies, and culture will catch up.
Because when people adapt faster than systems, it is the systems that must change.
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Kethelle I. Sajonia is a college instructor at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Mintal Campus. She is currently in the final phase of her Doctor of Communication degree at the University of the Philippines. Her research interests include inclusivity, education, communication, and social development. She actively engages in scholarly research and community-based initiatives that advocate for inclusive and transformative communication practices.
FROM intense culinary battles and steamy kilig romance to mind-blowing myths that keep the barkada debating, or high-stakes game shows packed with thrills —simply sit back, relax, and catch these shows 24/7 on Samsung TV Plus.
Need some downtime to ease yourself into 2026? Here’s a tip from us – sit back and relax on the couch with some heartwarming shows that will set the mood for fresh beginnings. Whether you’re soaking up these cozy moments with family or carving out some well-deserved me-time, some dedicated TV time can be a much-needed reset before you dive into the year ahead.
Samsung TV Plus can be a great place to start – where you can enjoy a range of content direct from your Samsung Smart TV – all you need is a compatible Samsung Smart TV, a Samsung Account and an internet connection[1].
From intense culinary battles and steamy kilig romance to mind-blowing myths that keep the barkada debating, and high-stakes game shows that keep the fun and suspense alive, here are our 10 feel-good picks for you to binge on during your downtime:
1. MasterChef
Home cooks from all walks of life battle it out in the MasterChef kitchen, taking on high-pressure culinary challenges in the hope of being crowned the next food superstar. Renowned chefs set the tasks and judge each dish, so expect tense cook-offs, emotional eliminations, and plenty of mouth-watering creations.
2.Hell’s Kitchen
In Hell’s Kitchen, two teams of aspiring chefs are put through intense cooking challenges and dinner services for a shot at claiming the prestigious job of head chef at a top restaurant, all under the guidance of world-class chef Gordon Ramsay.
3. Survivor
One of TV’s most iconic franchises, Survivor whisks contestants away to far-flung lands where only the cleverest, toughest, and most strategic competitors survive. Expect dramatic alliances, daring moves, and grueling trials as each participant battles to outthink and outmaneuver the rest, all in pursuit of a coveted grand prize.
4. World of Love Island
In the ultimate game of love, a set of singles jet off to a villa in the sun in World of Love Island, in hope for a summer of passion and romance. To remain in paradise, the singles have to win the hearts of the public. The audience at home decides who gets eliminated, with the final couple winning the ultimate prize.
5. Deal or No Deal
This iconic game show, Deal or No Deal, puts contestants in the spotlight as they negotiate, gamble, and keep their cool for a shot at a life-changing cash prize. With every box opened and deal considered, the tension mounts, making for edge-of-your-seat television that’s as thrilling as it is unpredictable.
6. K-Food by CJ ENM
If you’re craving something new, dive into the flavors and stories behind Korean cuisine with K-Food by CJ ENM. From traditional recipes to contemporary twists, it’s a mouth-watering celebration of food and culture.
7. Mythbusters
Curious minds will love Mythbusters, where a team of experts puts urban legends and viral myths to the test. Expect explosive experiments and infectious humor as the Mythbusters crew reveal what’s real and what’s pure fiction — making science both thrilling and entertaining at the same time.
8. Hot Ones
If you love celebrity interviews with a twist, Hot Ones is a must-watch. Follow the journey of some of the world’s biggest celebrities, as they squirm through burning-hot chicken wings while answering host Sean Evans’ tough questions – it’s as fun as it is fiery.
9. Come Dine With Me
A British institution, Come Dine With Me sees complete strangers compete to host the ultimate dinner party. Expect drama, laughs, and surprise culinary triumphs as they vie for a cash prize.
10. Premier Sports
If you’re a sports fan, Premier Sports will be your go-to channel for unmissable sporting action. Catch some of the world’s top sporting events, including adrenaline-pumping matches from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, National Football League, Cage Warriors, and the Volleyball Nations League LIVE without missing a beat.
As technology advancements continue to shape the way we consume content, Samsung is the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to launch a FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) service in the Philippines[2]. Since launching a year ago, Samsung TV Plus has provided a wide range of live TV channels, including entertainment, news, movies, and more across the platform throughout the region. Today, it is a trusted destination for free, accessible content in the Philippines, offering over 80 channels.
If you’re looking for entertainment without the cost or a subscription, Samsung TV Plus is your answer, providing access to a world of classic shows as well as fresh, local content. With an impressive line-up spanning festive music, mouthwatering food and global pop sensations, the service has something for everyone to enjoy. So, make it a point to check out Samsung TV Plus, and you might just discover your next favorite show —just switch on!
BY ALEX ALAGON
GCash users urged to turn on push notification settings to make their app transactions safe and secure
GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem, is rolling out its newest security feature, In-App OTPs (One-Time Passwords). By the first quarter of 2026, users will receive their OTPs directly via secure push notifications within the GCash app instead of SMS. For years, SMS-based OTPs have been targeted by scammers as a means of accessing user accounts. The switch to In-App OTPs is an important step toward addressing these vulnerabilities. By sending OTP requests directly to the user’s authenticated GCash app, GCash ensures that only the intended users can receive and use the unique OTPs, protecting them from unauthorized access.
Instant, one-tap authentication also removes the need to switch apps, type codes, or wait for text messages to arrive, resulting in faster transactions and removing exposure to SMS OTPs that scammers and fraudsters can exploit.
“Our upgrade to In-App OTPs is a strategic move to put an end to phishable SMS OTPs. We will shift users to instant, GCash app-verified authentication, to increase the security of their daily transactions,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer of GCash.
The introduction of In-App OTPs is part of the broader strategy of GCash to enhance security through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a well-established industry standard that adds multiple layers of protection when accessing an account. MFA greatly reduces the risk of account takeovers, even if passwords or MPINs are compromised.
GCash has consistently invested in stronger protection systems, including Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification and Facial Recognition verification (Double Safe). In-App OTPs build on these existing measures, enhancing security without adding unnecessary friction to the user experience.
In-App OTPs reflect commitment of GCash to providing secure, seamless financial services for its millions of users and set a new benchmark for digital finance security in the Philippines.
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.
Davao City — Happening on January 18, 2026 at SM Lanang Premier is the much awaited 2026 Davao Women’s Run PH, the event is expected to be one of the largest women’s running events in the heart of Davao with a target number of more than 3,000 empowered ladies.
Following the success of last year Davao Women’s Run PH that brought together 1,700 inspiring women in Davao City, this year, the much awaited event proudly returns for its second year, set to make an even greater impact on the running community and women empowerment movement in Mindanao.
The run is designed to be empowering, fun and memorable. Participants can choose between the 5K and 10K categories, perfect for both seasoned runners and beginners, while young runners can join in the 1K Kids Dash and start their running journey.
More on the event, ladies will enjoy special touches that make the experience truly memorable, including flowers for the top 100 finishers that will surely elevate their finish line experience, as well as the exclusive race kit and finisher’s medal that are thoughtfully designed to celebrate their achievement.
The Davao Women’s Run PH is Co-Presented by SM Lanang, which also serves as the Official Venue Partner, reflecting the mall’s continued commitment to championing active lifestyles and community-driven initiatives. This year’s run is Empowered by Anlene, reinforcing its mission to support strong bones, strong bodies, and strong women. Joining the lineup of partners is Refresh Mineral Water as the Official Hydration Partner, ensuring participants stay refreshed throughout the event, along with HydroAid as the Official Electrolyte Partner, providing runners with the essential electrolytes they need to stay energized and perform at their best.
Registration is now open! To secure your slot, learn more about race categories, inclusions, and event updates, visit www.womensrunph.com. Don’t forget to follow Women’s Run PH on Facebook and Instagram for the latest announcements and race-day highlights.
