Lally's Reflection

Everyone has something they're working toward next, whether it's growing a business, renovating a home, investing in their future, or reaching another life milestone. But while bigger goals often come with bigger financial needs, getting the financing to make them happen shouldn't feel like another hurdle. For many Filipinos, applying for a personal loan can still mean preparing documents, completing multiple requirements, and making repeated trips to the bank. But borrowing for a bigger goal doesn't have to be that complicated.   With   Maya Personal Loan , users can apply directly in the Maya app with   no paperwork or collateral required . Once approved, the loan proceeds are credited straight to their Maya Wallet, making it easier to move from planning to doing.   Now, Maya, the country's leading digital financial services platform, is giving eligible users even more flexibility by increasing the borrowing limit for   Maya Personal Loan   to...

  From local roasters to well-loved cafés, the country's biggest coffee festival celebrates the country's vibrant coffee culture at participating SM Supermalls. Coffee lovers gather at Coffee Fest 2026 in SM Center Pulilan, where specialty cafés, local coffee brands, and immersive experiences come together to celebrate the country’s thriving coffee culture. Some of the best conversations don't happen around a dining table—they happen over coffee. From catching up with friends after work and studying for hours to discovering a hidden café or simply taking a well-deserved break, coffee has become more than a daily ritual for Filipinos. Every cup tells a story, and every café becomes a space where people connect, create memories, and discover new experiences. This July, SM Supermalls celebrates the country's thriving coffee culture through Coffee Fest 2026, bringing together coffee festivals, specialty cafés, local roasters, homegrown brands, and immersive expe...

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) championed the role of employers in strengthening retirement readiness among Filipino workers at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-subsidized PERA@Work: Powering Employer-led Retirement Security Forum. Speaking at the forum, EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo shared the Bank's experience as the first universal bank in the Philippines to launch a voluntary Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contribution program for employees. EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo speaks at the BSP-sponsored PERA@Work Forum on advancing retirement readiness among Filipino workers   “Financial empowerment is not only about access to products. It is also about building the knowledge and confidence to plan ahead,” Ngo said. “By facilitating access to PERA, EastWest is helping employees take a more active role in shaping their long-term financial future.” Launched in April 2026, EastWest's voluntary PERA program complements the Bank's existing retirement be...

Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital financial services platform, won two accolades at the PR Awards Asia-Pacific 2026—Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category and Silver in the Consumer Launch category. Its Welcome to Maya Black campaign was also shortlisted in the PR Event category.  Maya took home Gold in the Best Brand Collaboration category, a new award under the Effectiveness track, for its 2025 campaign, Save a Housemate. Save with Maya.      As young Filipino fans rallied behind their favorite housemate on Pinoy Big Brother—the Philippines’ longest-running reality show and local version of the global franchise—Maya saw an opportunity to encourage better financial habits.   By replacing the legacy SMS voting system with a seamless in-app experience, Maya introduced “Save-to-Vote,” where users first deposit money into their accounts then cast a vote. Integrated into weekly on-air segments and amplified through fan c...

Rainy days are the ideal time to shop and save, as SM Store Marilao and SM Store Baliwag launch their "Savin' in the Rain" promo from July 24 to 26, providing shoppers with even more reasons to enjoy amazing discounts and exclusive payment offers. Customers can enjoy 10% OFF on regular-priced items with their SMAC or Prestige membership for a minimum single-receipt purchase of ₱3,000. Cardholders can save even more with an extra 10% OFF when paying through BPI Credit Cards, Debit Cards, the BPI App, or VYBE. Shoppers who pay with their Mastercard can enjoy an additional ₱300 discount, making every transaction even more rewarding. For those planning bigger purchases, participating credit cards also offer 0% Interest Buy Now, Pay Later for up to three months , making it easier to bring home everyday needs, fashion finds, home essentials, and more. Don't let the rainy weather dampen your shopping plans. Head to SM Store Marilao and SM Store Baliwag from July 2...

  THREE YEARS AT NO. 1. Jollibee has been voted the No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the third consecutive year, reinforcing Chickenjoy’s reputation for being the consistently crispy, juicy, and delicious fried chicken in one of the world’s most competitive quick-service restaurant markets.     Jollibee has once again been hailed the No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, securing the top spot for the third consecutive year. Voted on by USA TODAY readers, the latest recognition reaffirms Jollibee Chickenjoy’s reputation for consistently delivering the crispy, juicy, and delicious taste that customers love in the highly competitive U.S quick-service restaurant market. Its third straight win also shows that Chickenjoy fried chicken’s exceptional taste is not a one-time achievement, but a quality standard that Jollibee continues to uphold. “Recei...

Jollibee the Philippines' number one fast food chain, is giving fans another reason to enjoy their favorite meals with the launch of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles. Available for a limited time, the new promotion pairs Jollibee's best-loved menu favorites with exclusive collectibles inspired by the nation's biggest P-pop girl group, BINI. Available from July 15 to August 31, the JolliBINI Bundles let customers enjoy iconic Jollibee favorites while collecting limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members. Every bundle comes with random member collectibles, while lucky customers also have the chance to receive a rare Special Group Photocard. "At Jollibee, we always look for new ways to make every meal more joyful and memorable for our customers," said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "With the JolliBINI Bundles, fans can enjoy their Jollibee favorites while collecting exclusive BINI-inspired merchandise. Eve...

At Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, sustainable habits are  quietly becoming part of everyday life. When people think of a “revolution,” they often imagine bold movements and sweeping change. But some of the most lasting transformations happen more quietly—through small, intentional habits that slowly become part of everyday life. The choice to walk more, bring a reusable bag, support local brands, or spend time in greener spaces may seem simple on their own, but together, these everyday decisions can shape more mindful communities over time. Across Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, this green revolution is reflected in the way people dine, shop, gather, and move through its spaces. Through thoughtfully designed environments, eco-conscious concepts, and community-driven initiatives, more sustainable living becomes less intimidating and more naturally woven into everyday experiences. Here are some of the habits quietly shaping a greener lifestyle across its communities: Spending More Time Outdoo...