Bank On It’: Introducing Salmon’s Next-Generation Financial Services

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Makati City, Philippines – Salmon, one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing financial technology groups, gathered media, creators, and industry partners at Blackbird Makati for its first-ever Salmon Press Day, an intimate event spotlighting the company’s mission to make modern banking simple, fair, and accessible to every Filipino.

Hosted over good food, drinks, and engaging conversations with company leaders, the event offered an inside look at Salmon’s growth journey, from its innovative financial products and services to the expansion of Salmon Bank (Rural Bank), its modern banking arm bringing digital-first convenience to everyday Filipinos.

Empowering Everyday Filipinos Through Responsible Growth

In his keynote, Pavel Fedorov, Co-Founder of Salmon Group, introduced the company’s latest milestones and product innovations designed to redefine how Filipinos experience banking.

“At Salmon, our goal is to build products that are rewarding, empower people to achieve their dreams and are extremely easy to use,” said Fedorov. “We grow by listening to our customers, managing risk with discipline, and building for the long term.”

Following Fedorov’s presentation, Raffy Montemayor, Co-Founder of Salmon Group and Chairperson of Salmon Bank, shared strong third-quarter results, noting that deposits nearly tripled year-on-year, loans grew over 40 percent quarter-on-quarter, and equity tripled year-on-year. Despite rapid expansion, Salmon Bank maintains a capital adequacy ratio three times higher than the BSP requirement, reflecting disciplined management and strong governance.

“Trust is the foundation of everything we do,” said Montemayor. “We’ve earned it by keeping banking simple, transparent, and fair – and by putting people before numbers. That’s how we build relationships that endure and growth that lasts.”

‘Bank on It’ Campaign Reveal and Fireside Chat

Guests were also treated to the unveiling of Salmon’s latest campaign, “Bank On It,” featuring two of the Philippines’ most trusted and relatable personalities, Sam YG and Gretchen Ho. Both known for their credibility and authenticity, they embody the campaign’s message of building financial confidence one decision at a time.

The program also featured a fireside chat with Sam YG and Gretchen Ho, who opened up about their personal financial habits and the importance of saving and investing with confidence. They shared how Salmon’s time deposit products and modern banking experience support their financial goals, echoing the campaign’s message to “bank on” one’s potential and future.

Building Community Through the Salmon Affiliate Platform

At the event, Salmon also announced the launch of the Salmon Affiliate Platform, the first-ever proprietary affiliate program among consumer finance companies and banks in the Philippines.

The program enables Filipino influencers and content creators to earn up to ₱500 for every approved credit line application through their referral links.

Unlike traditional affiliate programs limited to niche segments such as real estate, Salmon’s platform is designed to empower the broader creator economy – enabling everyone from micro-influencers to established digital personalities to participate and benefit. Payouts are made monthly in a simple and easy process, providing a transparent, straightforward, and reliable way for creators to monetize their communities.

A dedicated creator dashboard gives partners full visibility of their performance, with real-time tracking to see referrals and earnings instantly, ensuring trust and transparency every step of the way.

The featured product in the program is the Salmon Credit Line, a flexible revolving credit solution with no annual fees, a virtual card, and credit limits of up to ₱100,000, offering the longest grace period in the market, up to 62 days with no interest.

“Creators are at the heart of today’s digital economy, shaping conversations and inspiring communities across the Philippines. Through the Salmon Affiliate Platform, we’re empowering them with new opportunities to grow their income while helping more Filipinos gain access to modern financial services. This is about building genuine partnerships with creators and showing that innovation in financial services can uplift lives far beyond finance.”

Interested creators can sign up at salmon.ph/affiliate.

Collaboration and CommunityThe event concluded with an Expert Talk featuring Salmon’s podcast hosts and creator-entrepreneurs Joric Pecson and MK Bertulfo, together with event host Alexis Tinsay. Together, they shared insights on saving, investing, and the importance of financial planning and literacy in building long-term confidence. Listeners can catch more of their conversations on Para-Paraan with Salmon, available through linktr.ee/ParaParaanwithSalmon.

As Salmon continues to grow, its focus remains clear: to empower Filipinos to make confident financial choices through products that are simple, transparent, and fair. The first Salmon Press Day marks just the beginning of deeper conversations on how modern banking can help Filipinos build brighter, more secure financial futures.

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About Salmon (https://salmon.ph)

Salmon Group Ltd operates a BSP-regulated bank, Salmon Bank (Rural Bank) Inc., and a SEC-licensed financing company, Sunprime Finance Inc., in the Philippines. Salmon is on a mission to build the best credit-led, technology-centric bank in Southeast Asia, with the Philippines as its first market.

Founded in July 2022 by banking and technology veterans Pavel Fedorov, George Chesakov, and Raffy Montemayor, Salmon uses AI-enabled technology and a proprietary credit engine to offer consumer credit, providing differentiated simplicity, quality of service, and convenience to its customers.

Salmon’s mobile application is rated 4.8 in both App Store and Google Play – one of the highest ratings for a financial services app in the Philippines. Ninety-two percent of Salmon customers recommend its services to their friends and family.

Henry & Sons and The Giving Café invests in organic fertilizers for higher yield and better-quality beans

Farmers from Sitio Hartwell, Itogon, Benguet with representatives from Henry & Sons and Harbest Agribusiness Corporation.

Henry & Sons, together with The Giving Café and its social development arm, the Foundation for Sustainable Coffee Excellence (FSCE), launched another meaningful initiative for its partner farmers in Sitio Hartwell, Itogon, Benguet to produce higher yield and better-quality beans.

In collaboration with Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, the group distributed organic fertilizers and conducted hands-on training sessions aimed at strengthening soil health, improving yields, and securing the long-term sustainability of coffee production in the community.

With the coffee cherries already ripening on the trees, the timing of the fertilizer distribution is crucial. As the harvest season approaches this November through February, both farmers and partners are optimistic that the positive effects of this initiative—healthier crops, improved yields, and better-quality beans—will soon be visible.

For Henry & Sons’ initiative is a direct investment in the livelihood of its partner farmers. A healthier, more abundant harvest contributes to the company’s coffee supply chain, while simultaneously ensuring that growers have the chance to sell additional produce to other buyers. The shared success creates a cycle of growth where both the farmers and the broader coffee industry benefit.

Weighing and measuring the fertilizers for equal and fair distribution to recipients.

Through Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, farmers in Sitio Hartwell received donations of Naturcomplet-G Granulated Humic Acid and Effective Micro-Organisms (EM-1). Both are 100% organic and chemical-free solutions designed to boost soil fertility and plant resilience. Beyond the provision of materials, Harbest’s experts conducted an on-ground workshop, guiding farmers on proper application methods to maximize benefits and ensure safe, effective usage.

The effort was further inspired by Harbest COO Julius Barcelona, whose vision of supporting grassroots agriculture and helping uplift the coffee industry has been pivotal in shaping similar collaborations. His advocacy underscores the shared belief that sustainable farming begins with empowering local growers with the right tools and knowledge.

The organic fertilizers were officially turned over to the SHALCOGA Farmers’ Association, who oversaw transparent distribution among its members. Careful logging ensured that every farmer received a fair share of the resources. Local growers expressed their gratitude, noting how these inputs will not only improve the quality of their crops but also open the door to stronger yields and potential surplus for expanded income opportunities.

Harbest also conducted a preliminary farm assessment, examining soil conditions and the state of coffee trees in Sitio Hartwell. This allowed experts to identify key challenges and tailor their advice to local conditions. Following the farm check, FSCE and Harbest held a short program outlining the project’s goals and reinforcing the long-term benefits of adopting organic and sustainable practices.

For Henry & Sons and The Giving Café, this program represents more than a one-time donation. It is part of an enduring mission to uplift farming communities, preserve the future of Philippine coffee, and build a resilient, sustainable ecosystem where farmers thrive alongside the industry they sustain.

For inquiries, collaborations, or more information about our barista programs, please visit thevault.ph.

Security Bank launches BetterBanking Rewards with “Ready. Set. Redeem!” event and mall takeover at Shangri-La Plaza

Security Bank EVP and Retail Banking Segment Head, Rahul Rasal, welcomed guests at the launch event of the Bank’s new credit cards rewards and rebate platform, called BetterBanking Rewards.

The interactive event showcased the Bank’s latest innovation designed to make earning and redeeming rewards easier, faster, and more meaningful for its credit cardholders.

BetterBanking Rewards is the Bank’s flagship digital platform for credit card rewards and rebates, offering customers a real-time, fully automated experience for viewing, managing, and redeeming their points. The event featured interactive booths with product demonstrations, allowing guests to experience first-hand how seamless and rewarding the platform is.

“BetterBanking Rewards will redefine how our customers experience banking—by making every transaction rewarding, every moment convenient, and every point meaningful,” shared Meri Filart, VP and Credit Cards Head. “We listened to our customers and understood that they wanted more flexibility and transparency in how they manage their rewards. That’s why we built BetterBanking Rewards around simplicity, speed, and customer empowerment. Every swipe should feel rewarding—and now, it truly is.”

With BetterBanking Rewards, cardholders gain access to powerful new features:

 Real-time tracking and redemption of reward points

 Pay with Rewards, which allows cardholders to redeem their points globally at any location that accepts Mastercard

 Points Exchange, which enables cardholders to convert their points into rewards with over 100 airline miles and hotel loyalty programs

 

These enhancements position BetterBanking Rewards as one of the top loyalty platforms offered by any local bank.

Security Bank’s Meri Filart, VP and Credit Cards Head, and Patricia Tan, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, spoke about the customer-centric benefits of BetterBanking Rewards during the Q&A session at the “Ready. Set. Redeem!” event on October 27, 2025 at Shangri-La Plaza.

This year, BetterBanking Rewards has already won several accolades for its innovation, customer-centricity including Best Customer Loyalty Program by the International Finance Awards, Best Advance in Loyalty/Rewards Programme by Retail Banker International, and Credit Card Initiative of the Year by Asian Banking & Finance.

“We’re continuously reimagining what banking should feel like,” added Filart. “BetterBanking Rewards is just the start of a more personalized, digital-first experience that gives our customers the freedom to enjoy the rewards that matter most to them.”

Apply now and start earning rewards instantly

Customers can apply for a Security Bank credit card through www.securitybank.com and register for BetterBanking Rewards via the Security Bank mobile app or website to start redeeming rewards anytime, anywhere.

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About Security Bank

Established in 1951, Security Bank is one of the Philippines' leading universal banks and is publicly listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:SECB) in 1995. The Bank's core businesses are retail, corporate, commercial, and business (MSME) banking, offering a wide range of services including lending, leasing, foreign exchange, stock brokerage, investment banking, and asset management.

Security Bank differentiates itself from other banks as a strong, domestic, independent bank that delivers a superior customer experience in line with its brand promise of BetterBanking. This is based on a deep understanding of customer needs, providing solutions in a professional, hassle-free, personalized, and timely manner. The Bank's strategic alliance with MUFG Bank, Ltd., Japan’s largest bank, provides its customers with access to a broad global network.

The Bank has been recognized by international and local organizations for its constant product innovation, market leadership, and best-in-class management practices.

Security Bank EVP and Retail Banking Segment Head, Rahul Rasal, welcomed guests at the launch event of the Bank’s new credit cards rewards and rebate platform, called BetterBanking Rewards.

 

Industry Leaders Unite for the 1st Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress

The Philippine Coffee Board (PCB) successfully held the 1st Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress at the Makati Sports Club, bringing together coffee farmers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss and promote the future of sustainable coffee production in the Philippines.

The landmark event featured keynote speaker Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, alongside coffee experts Nishant Gurjer of Kaapi Royale (India) and Dave Lim of the ASEAN Coffee Institute, who shared global and regional perspectives on Robusta’s rising value and sustainability. The Congress also celebrated the 2nd Coffee Cup of Distinction Awards, honoring Nicholas Matti, Princess Kumalah Sug-Elardo, and Prof. Val Macanes for their exceptional contributions to the Philippine coffee industry.

Event highlights included the launch of the new PCB logo, the Celebration of Plant Coffee Pilipinas, and three plenary sessions on sustainability, government collaboration, and regional coffee origins. “The PCB is more than ready to forge partnerships to plant more coffee around the country,“ says Pacita Juan after attendees heard of PCB’s initiatives with Gcash and the Boy Scouts  of the Philippines as well as the Philippine Coconut Authority. A cupping session showcased coffees from across ASEAN, capping the day’s activities.

The PCB extends its deepest gratitude to its sponsors and partners: GCash (Platinum Partner); Land Bank of the Philippines, Peace & Equity Foundation, and Silcafe (Gold Sponsors); Alaska Professional, Curve Coffee Collaborators, Blu Coffee Distributors, and Breville (Silver Sponsors); UCC Philippines, Kopiko, and Le Minerale (Bronze Sponsors); Allegro Beverage Corporation and Cordillera Coffee (Patrons); and media partners BusinessMirror, The Manila Times, and Malaya Business Insight.

For more information, visit www.philcoffeeboard.com

About the Philippine Coffee Board

The Philippine Coffee Board (PCB) is a private-sector led, non-stock, non-profit organization established in 2002 to promote and develop the local coffee industry. It provides technical assistance, credit programs, and marketing support to farmers while working closely with government, cooperatives, NGOs, and international partners. Among its key initiatives is the “Kape Isla” campaign, which serves as a Philippine coffee quality seal. For more information, visit www.philcoffeeboard.com.

Beyond Money: InLife Retirement Index shows what Filipinos need to prepare for retirement

This is far from ideal because retirement is more than just having enough money to last through one’s senior years. It is a composite of six interrelated factors that determine one’s retirement readiness: life stage, personal finances, health, pension program participation, retirement sentiment, and social support.

 

This was the key insight from the first-ever Retirement Index developed by largest Filipino life insurer InLife, as a holistic measure of retirement preparedness. To come up with the Index, InLife used a multi-method research framework that included combined research, expert interviews with economists and psychologists, and survey data from an online quantitative survey of 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 59 years old. Scores were calibrated on a 0–100 scale for easy interpretation.

 

“The Retirement Index shows us that Filipinos need to see retirement in a new light. It’s not just a financial milestone. It’s an emotional, social, and even cultural journey,” said InLife Chief Marketing Officer Gae L. Martinez. “If we only focus on money, we miss out on the other pillars that make retirement truly secure and meaningful.”

 

Among the key findings from the InLife Retirement Indexsurvey are: 

• Generation X scored the highest at 54, owing to their life stage. At this time, they are more mature, have more stable income, and are breadwinners, or married with dependents, which naturally require increased knowledge of financial planning. Younger, single, or childless individuals show significantly lower retirement preparedness with Gen Z scoring the lowest at 36. However, Gen Z, together with young millennials reported having clear plans about their future though they have yet to translate these into concrete retirement plans. 

• Insurance, investment ownership, and emergency preparedness boost retirement readiness. InLife policyholders scored significantly higher at 62 compared to non-policyholders who scored 42. Investment-oriented segments such as millennials, married individuals, and those with small families showed greater retirement preparedness as they built passive income streams, demonstrating long-term financial planning. In contrast, younger generations and single individuals who also support other family members face greater financial strain, and as a result, lower retirement preparedness. 

• Filipinos who are retirement ready are also more prepared for health emergencies. With chronic health conditions becoming rampant as one ages, it is important to have a separate fund for health concerns.  

• Pension program coverage is concentrated among married individuals and parents, leaving informal workers and singles vulnerable. With more Filipinos in the informal work sector, such as independent contractors, participation in state-sponsored pension plans such as SSS and GSIS is lower. Therefore, they are exposed to retirement and health risks in the future.            

• Filipinos who scored high on the retirement index had strong social support underscoring the emotional and social dimensions that drive engagement in retirement planning. 

• Women averaged 45 compared to men’s 49, highlighting gender disparity when it comes to retirement, with more men having full-time formal employment and investments. 

Martinez said that the Index provides Filipinos with a guide for action. “These data clearly indicate that retirement readiness requires conversation. Families, communities, and institutions must normalize talking about retirement. At InLife, that is what we are doing because we want our fellow Filipinos to be aware, more confident, and prepared so they can retire without worries.”

 

To help Filipinos plan their retirement, InLife offers Retire Assure, the first true retirement insurance product in the country. Retire Assure provides a guaranteed monthly income from age 60 or 65, until age 100. It is payable in five-, ten years, or until the age of 59 or 64, depending on one’s preference. It is further enhanced by cash dividends that have the potential to increase over the years to keep up with the increases in living expenses. 

 

Retire Assure 2, its 2-pay variant, is recommended for professionals who are transitioning to senior positions in their careers, and who want a lasting security instead of market-driven uncertainty. It is for individuals aged 48 to 73 years old and is payable in two annual installments. The insured will start receiving a monthly income until age 100, after the second premium is paid. Upon death, the insured’s beneficiaries receive the higher of either 110% of premiums paid (less payouts already received) or the guaranteed cash value, whichever is greater.

 

Earlier this year, InLife also released its research on retirement called “Retire Without Worries: Your Roadmap to Living Life to the Fullest.” The paper underscored the urgent need for retirement planning in light of rising healthcare costs, longer life expectancy, and changing family structures that make older Filipinos more financially vulnerable. It emphasized the importance of deliberate planning and adequate support systemsamid the risk of outliving one’s savings.

“InLife, at 115 years old, continues to find solutions to Filipinos’ most pressing concerns. We are committed to empowering our fellowmen across generations so they can enjoy A Lifetime for Good,” said Martinez.

 

Be more retirement-ready. Try InLife’s Retirement Index Calculator at https://www.inlife.com.ph/retire-assure/retirement-readiness-index. To know more about InLife Retire Assure, visit https://www.inlife.com.ph/retire-assure. To read InLife’sRetirement white paper, visit https://bit.ly/RetireWithoutWorries. 

 

 

 

 

About InLife

InLife is the first, largest and only mutual Filipino life insurance company in the country with over 115 years of uninterrupted service. We apply over a hundred years of experience in financial protection, risk management, savings, and investment to help you make confident decisions for you and your loved ones.

 

Our policyholders can be assured of being protected by a company that has an asset base of over P158.9 billion and net worth of P44.3 billion. We have a nationwide presence through our 56 offices all over the country, and an expanded digital footprint to serve our customers, wherever and whenever they want. Our success is anchored on the well-being and security of our policyholders and beneficiaries, employees and financial advisors, partner companies and institutions, and host communities as we exist to offer A Lifetime for Good for everyone. For more information, visit https://www.inlife.com.ph/.

The healthy way to grieve

It begins with a loss—of a loved one, a relationship, a loyal pet—and triggers a reaction right there and then, or when you least expect it. One day you’re fine, the next thing you know, you’re in pieces. Emotions run the gamut, from a quiet, heartbroken sadness to an intense ugly cry. 

Yes, there is no right or wrong way to grieve, so much so that you don’t have to go through psychiatrist Elizabeth Kübler-Ross’ five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—in their exact order. “In fact, it’s perfectly all right to skip some, re-experience others, or feel things not mentioned by Dr. Ross, like shock or guilt,” says Jon Edward B. Jurilla, MD from the Department of Psychiatry of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Grief is a very personal experience. No two people grieve alike.” 

Well-meaning family and friends can also be divided on how long you should grieve. Some will tell you to take as much time as you need, others hope you move on sooner than later. 

“Grief is a natural, human response that can be physically and emotionally gut-wrenching,” explains Dr. Jurilla. “Losing a spouse, parent, or child can feel like losing a part of you, because in reality, they were.” 

The first step to healing? “Acknowledge your feelings,” Dr. Jurilla points out. “Don’t suppress them or judge yourself for crying or screaming. Allow yourself to express sadness, anger, regret, and whatever feelings that come up.” 

Talk about it. “Whether with a close family member, a trusted confidant, a spiritual adviser, or a trained professional, saying your thoughts out loud can be cathartic,” says Dr. Jurilla. 

Find other ways to express your grief. “You could write your thoughts down in a journal or go for long walks in nature,” Dr. Jurilla suggests. “The quiet time could give you clarity.” 

Have company. “Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. You can also find comfort in support groups whose members are going through a similar experience.”

Take care of yourself. “Grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Make sure you eat and get enough sleep. Allow others to look out for you too. If someone offers to take you out to lunch, buy you groceries, or drive you where you need to go, graciously accept.” 

Keep the one you lost close. “Saving a picture of that person on your phone or wallet or wearing a piece of jewelry or article of clothing that belonged to them can somehow feel like they’re still around. This softens the blow of your loss.”  

Remember the good times. “Recalling happy memories, funny anecdotes, and quirks that made you love this person will give you a respite from all the tears.” 

Take things one day at a time. As mentioned, grieving is a natural process, and whatever you’re feeling is totally valid. “Eventually, as time passes and your sadness slowly gives way to a calm acceptance, that doesn’t mean you love the person or thing you lost any less,” says Dr. Jurilla. “It simply means that they live on in your memories and in your heart.” 

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

HONOR and BYD Partner to Power the Future of AI-Driven Intelligent Mobility

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced a strategic partnership with BYD, the world's leading new-energy vehicle manufacturer. The collaboration integrates HONOR’s vehicle connectivity solution with BYD’s next-generation DiLink smart ecosystem to deliver human-centric, AI-powered mobility experiences for consumers.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony witnessed by James Li, CEO of HONOR, and Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Group. Fang Fei, President of Products at HONOR, and Yang Dongsheng, Senior Vice President of BYD and President of the Automotive New Technology Research Institute, signed on behalf of their companies, marking the start of deeper cooperation in intelligent mobility.

This strategic partnership is not only a deep collaboration in technology and ecosystem between two industry leaders, but also a forward-looking commitment to the future of intelligent mobility.

The partnership will progress along three pillars:

Core technology and features: Joint innovation in cross-device ecosystem integration, AI agent integration, and high-precision Bluetooth-based car key.

Channel ecosystem and user benefits: establishing a collaborative channel model that leverages HONOR’s connected vehicle capabilities and BYD’s intelligent ecosystem to maximize interoperability between platforms.

Joint communications and user engagement: Collaborative marketing, joint launches and user engagement around key launch milestones.

HONOR and BYD first collaborated in 2023, introducing smartphone NFC car keys that let BYD owners lock and unlock vehicles with HONOR smartphones. In 2024, the partnership extended to in-vehicle fast charging. In 2025, building on phone-to-car connectivity, the partners deepened cooperation: DENZA became the first brand to adopt HONOR Car Connect, with coverage expanding across additional BYD brands to enable seamless cross-device interaction and service continuity.

“At HONOR, we have always believed that the key to maximizing human potential lies in the combination of a human-centric focus and technology. Our partnership with BYD is a comprehensive collaboration for the AI era, with smart mobility as the key strategic focus at this stage. Together, we will advance joint technology development, complement each other’s strengths, and co-create an ecosystem of seamless and intelligent mobility experiences that enrich every journey and help usher in a new paradigm of smart living,” said James Li, CEO of HONOR.

This strategic cooperation represents both a deep integration of technology and resources and a significant innovation in intelligent mobility. Looking ahead, both companies will continue to be user-centric and AI-driven, accelerating development and rollout of phone-to-car connectivity, digital keys, and other features while enhancing safety and convenience across smart mobility scenarios. 

The upcoming 2025 HONOR Global Developers Conference and AI Device Ecosystem Conference on October 23rd will also showcase the collaborative achievements of both parties. HONOR will also highlight the HONOR AI Connect platform and its role in building human-centric, scenario-based AI ecosystem solutions during the conference.

 

About HONOR  

HONOR is a global leading AI device ecosystem company. It is committed to revolutionizing human-to-device interactions to bridge the AI ecosystem with all consumers in the agentic AI era and beyond. The company endeavors to open industrial boundaries through open, seamless collaboration to co-create a value-sharing ecosystem with industry partners. With an innovative product portfolio spanning AI phones, PCs, tablets, wearables and more, HONOR aims to empower every human, enabling everyone to embrace the new intelligent world.

Bea Alonzo celebrates wellness in peak years with Birch Tree Adult Boost

Multi-awarded actress Bea Alonzo proudly shares how she keeps her tip-top health and shape in her strongest years with Birch Tree Adult Boost, the flagship milk brand of Century Pacific Food Inc., and the trusted adult milk brand in the Philippines.

With a busy and active lifestyle that includes indulging in sports and frequent travels, Bea recognizes the importance of having nutritional support to keep up with everything she enjoys.

“Staying strong and healthy isn’t just a goal; it is a way of life. Drinking the right milk gives me the nutrients that I need to stay strong, healthy, and at my best every day. Gladly, there is Birch Tree Adult Boost milk that can give me the right nutrition,” said Bea Alonzo.

Milk plays an important role at every stage of life as the body evolves over time. Children need it for growth and development, teens rely on it for bone health and cognition, while adults need it for bone strength and immunity. Adults, specifically, require extra vitamins and nutrients for sustenance, which is why Birch Tree Adult Boost is specially formulated to provide that support.

Birch Tree Adult Boost has the Active Tri-Boost formula that supports overall wellness in adults by providing support nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B-vitamins, Iron, and Zinc. These nutrients help to strengthen immunity, sustain energy, and heighten brain function. Perfect for adults who want to remain healthy and energetic just like Bea.

Bea Alonzo enjoyed a skiing adventure in her Andorra trip, showcasing her passion for active living.

“As I turn 38 this October, I become even more mindful of my health and my body, and I like challenging myself with different ways to maintain good health,” Bea shared. “I like doing workouts like push-ups, squats, planks, and other sporty activities, then I balance it with proper nutrition. Birch Tree Adult Boost gives me that extra support so I can keep up with my busy lifestyle,” she added.

As an award-winning actress and entrepreneur, Bea has built a strong reputation both in entertainment and in business. With her passion for travel and discovering new experiences, she proves that life gets better as we reach our peak years.

“We wanted to highlight how milk isn’t just for kids, it’s just as important for adults who want to stay strong, energized, and overall healthy. That’s why we partnered with Bea Alonzo for Birch Tree Adult Boost. She embodies the idea that age is not a limit, you can be at your best at every stage of your life,” shared Greg Banzon, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer of Century Pacific Food, Inc.

Watch the latest commercial of Birch Tree Adult Boost featuring Bea Alonzo here:

https://bit.ly/BeaAlonzoBTAB.

For more information, please visit https://www.birchtree.com.ph/ or follow Birch Tree on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BirchTreeAdultBoost or @birchtreeadultboost on Instagram for more updates.

About Birch Tree

Birch Tree, the flagship powdered milk brand of Century Pacific Food, Inc., is a trusted brand that manufactures high-quality milk to help nourish and provide nutrition to ensure good health and support in the daily activities of people of all ages. ​

 

EVAP Identifies Key Factors that Drive Stronger EV Sales in PH

Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is confident that the volume of registered electric vehicle (EV) registration in the country will set a new record in 2025 at around 35,000 units. Based on data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), overall registered EVs in the first seven months of the year (January to July) already hit 29,715 units—comprising 28,353 new registrations and 1,362 renewals. In comparison, the total volume of EV registration was just around 24,000 for the entire 2024. 

The seven-month EV registration volume also accounts for 5 percent of new vehicle registrations overall in the country during the period. These figures indicate that adoption of EVs among Filipino motorists continue to accelerate. 

 

"Our EV volume target by 2040 is at least 2.5 million. I am confident, as I have always been, that this goal is easily achievable especially as we actually see that each year, we are breaking our own records," said EVAP President Edmund Araga in his opening remarks during the 13th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS) held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on October 23. 

  

"The bold target is to make EVs account for at least 50 percent of all vehicles on our roads by the year 2040. Our sector is hoping that the attractive incentives and perks offered to our motorists to shift to electric will further go full swing. EVs still enjoy zero import tariffs and EV owners are entitled to priority registration at the LTO, exemption to number coding scheme, and free use of public EV charging stations in a growing number of malls and other commercial and public establishments," Araga continued. 

 

Technology factor

The EVAP President also highlighted fast-advancing and impressive technology of modern EVs for the strong sales figures. He cited findings of a McKinsey China Auto Consumer Study that indicate that technology is the highest consideration for vehicle purchasers when choosing to buy EVs over traditional and internationally branded cars. 

According to that research that was conducted in China, the biggest EV market in Asia, technology increases purchase intent by 10.8 percent, compared to lower price tags or discounts that increase purchase intention by just 3.6 percent. The study also cited range, charging speed, and interior experience as other factors that influence EV purchase decisions. 

 

However, cost is logically the primary factor that influence consumers to buy EVs in the Philippines, based on findings of a March 2024 study 'Marketing Strategy and Preference Analysis of Electric Cars in a Developing Country: A Perspective from the Philippines,' published by the Mapua University. 

 

According to that local research, battery type, charging methods, EV category, driving range, and charging speed are the other considerations by Filipino EV purchasers. The study suggested ways to possibly speed up EV adoption locally—overcome cost barriers and improve technological literacy among prospective purchasers. 

 

EV official classification in PH

Moreover, Araga commended the Department of Energy (DOE) for recently issuing six official classifications of EVs in the country—battery EVs (BEVs), hybrid EVs (HEVs), Light EVs (LEVs), Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs), Range Extender EVs (REEVs), and Fuel Cell EVs (FCEVs). 

 

In a statement, the DOE emphasized that classifying EVs in the country as such is a "critical step toward building a more organized, accessible, and future-ready EV market. By harmonizing EV recognition guidelines, we are reducing administrative burdens, increasing transparency, and accelerating EV adoption nationwide."

 

"There are so many other important factors we can cite for the accelerating EV sales locally, among those is the rising number of EV Charging Stations or EVCS and the 

establishment of home-based EV and components manufacturing plants that further contribute to making EVs of all types more accessible to more Filipinos," Araga concluded. 

 

To learn more about available EV technology and models in the Philippines, and to participate in seminars and panel discussions, visit the Philippine Electric Summit 2025. With the theme 'Charge Ahead, Ignite the EVolution,' the summit runs from October 23 to 25, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. 

 

PEVS 2025 is organized by EVAP with co-presentors BYD Cars Philippines, Omoda & Jaecoo Motor Philippines Inc, United Asia Automotive Group Inc (UAAGI), GAC Dangdang, and the Department of Energy. Visit the PEVS website (https://pevsummit.com) to learn more and to register for free.