by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 16, 2025 | Events
The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Designers Circle Philippines (DCP), presents Timeless, an exhibit of modern Filipiniana bridal gowns, on display at the hotel’s iconic Grand Lobby until August 7, 2025.
Timeless celebrates the elegance of the Filipino love story by showcasing the work of nine esteemed designers from DCP: Edwin Uy, Rafael Gonzales, Bepz Torres, Joy Aaliwin, Laura Santos, Alistair Balane, Ganda Anore, Will Salvador, and Johnny Abad. Each designer presents a unique interpretation of the traditional Filipiniana silhouette, reimagined with contemporary sophistication. The exhibit features voluminous ruffles, intricate beadwork, modern necklines, and romantic lace, highlighting the evolving artistry of Filipino bridal fashion.
“This is the first time The Manila Hotel and Designers Circle Philippines have partnered in an all-Filipiniana bridal exhibit. The collection honors heritage while embracing innovation, reflecting the same values that The Manila Hotel upholds. As the Grand Dame of the Philippines, we continue to champion Filipino artistry and cultural pride while adapting to the tastes of the modern generation,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.
Set beneath the chandeliers and arches of the historic Grand Lobby, Timeless invites brides-to-be, fashion enthusiasts, and culture lovers to witness the craftsmanship of modern Filipino design.
Timeless is on display at the Grand Lobby until August 7, 2025. Admission is free.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is situated next to kilometer zero (0), marking the official starting point of the City of Manila. It is conveniently located within walking distance of several well-known landmarks in the Philippines, including Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museums. Renowned for its rich history, elegance, and exceptional service, The Manila Hotel has been a preferred choice for distinguished guests since 1912.
The hotel features over 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three grand ballrooms. Guests can enjoy five-star relaxation and wellness services at the Manila Hotel Spa, access to adult and children’s pools, and the Manila Hotel Health Club. Additionally, the hotel houses the Heritage Museum, which showcases priceless memories that reflect its illustrious past, as well as an art gallery that offers insight into contemporary perspectives through the works of various artists.
Dining options at The Manila Hotel are diverse, with six unique outlets providing a culinary adventure:
- Café Ilang-Ilang, popular for its extensive international buffet offerings;
- Champagne Room, known for its Old European-style fine dining and often regarded as the most romantic dining space in Manila, features exquisite European cuisine;
- Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired venue where guests can enjoy live music in the evenings;
- Lobby Lounge, perfect for casual dining, aperitifs, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings;
- Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant specializing in authentic Chinese cuisine; and
- Delicatessen, which showcases the hotel’s signature pastries, breads, chocolates, and pralines.
The Manila Hotel offers a memorable experience through its unparalleled service and luxurious accommodations.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 12, 2025 | Business
GCash, the country’s leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, becomes the first Philippine fintech to achieve ISO certifications for two globally recognized standards for information security management and privacy information management systems— the ISO/IEC 27001 and the ISO/IEC 2770.
GCash is the first fintech company in the Philippines to receive both certifications simultaneously, following a comprehensive and independent audit by the British Standards Institution (BSI), a business improvement and standards organization that partners with more than 84,000 clients globally across multiple industry sectors.
The certifications affirm that the information security and privacy management systems of GCash met international standards and best practices, which have been vetted by a third-party auditor, establishing transparency and building trust in the country’s largest cashless ecosystem.
“These ISO certifications are external validations of our internal belief that we must always operate with the highest integrity and discipline by integrating security and privacy into every aspect of our operations and innovations,” said Pebbles Sy, GCash chief technology and operations officer.
BSI country managing director Ava Taniajura added, “These certifications have given GCash a significant advantage in safeguarding against potential threats. GCash has implemented comprehensive systems and controls to ensure the utmost security and confidentiality of its users’ personal information.”
Meanwhile, GCash chief information security officer Miguel Geronilla emphasized that staying ahead of threats and strengthening defenses is essential to protecting customers and confidently enabling innovation.
“We have invested heavily in building a digital environment that prioritizes safety. These certifications are not just milestones but also a reflection of our commitment to protecting the trust that our millions of users have placed in us,” Geronilla said.
The ISO/IEC 27001 certification validates the systematic approach of GCash in managing sensitive information. The complementary ISO/IEC 27701 standard focuses on collecting, storing, and processing personal data following global and local privacy laws, including the Philippine Data Privacy Act and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“The reality is that financial services are now frontlines in the battle for data protection,” said GCash VP and group data protection officer Atty. Rob Real. “Our approach combines legal compliance with technology-enabled governance to stay ahead of increasingly complex threats.”
GCash is the first Philippine-based fintech company to receive dual certifications in ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 as of certification dates. Attaining dual ISO certifications for information security and data privacy is a significant achievement, as financial platforms face heightened scrutiny in protecting users from fraud, scams, and other forms of cybercrime.
The certification process required GCash to align its policies, internal audits, employee training, and data processing protocols with globally accepted standards in information security and data privacy.
The milestones come as Southeast Asia experiences a surge in cyberattacks, driven by the expansion of e-commerce, digital banking, and AI-powered fraud. In the Philippines, regulators have repeatedly warned of phishing schemes, social engineering, and synthetic identity fraud targeting mobile wallet users.
The multi-layered security strategy of GCash includes AI-driven fraud detection, biometric authentication, device binding, and 24/7 monitoring through its internal Security Operations Center. The company also works closely with regulators, law enforcement, and the banking sector to share threat intelligence and enhance consumer protection.
As cyberthreats continue to evolve, the long-term security strategy of GCash remains focused on strengthening its technological defenses and user education, ensuring resilience and reliability as digital adoption accelerates across the country.
For more information, visit www.gcash.com.
About GCash
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines and the largest cashless ecosystem in the country. With the GCash app, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills through partner billers nationwide, and send or receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts. Users can also shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers, and gain access to services such as savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment opportunities, all conveniently available on their smartphones.
G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, manages the mobile wallet operations of GCash.
Additionally, GCash is a strong advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 5, 8, 10, and 13. These goals emphasize safety and security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the urgent need to combat climate change and its impacts.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 10, 2025 | Stories
The Manila Prince Hotel is proud to host HATCH Emergence: A Fusion of Filipino Street Art. This eye-catching exhibit celebrates the bold creativity of both seasoned and emerging Filipino artists. Running until July 31, 2025, the exhibit transforms the hotel’s window display into a vibrant gallery of contemporary urban expression.
HATCH is an annual art initiative by Manila Bulletin that highlights local talent through painting on an unconventional canvas—an acrylic egg. This year’s showcase marks a special milestone in Manila Bulletin’s 125th anniversary celebration.
HATCH Emergence features a collection of one-of-a-kind artworks painted on acrylic eggs, curated to spotlight the dynamic landscape of Filipino street art. Each piece blends elements of pop culture, street narratives, and toy-inspired aesthetics. Together, they offer a fresh and playful take on Filipino creativity.
This year’s featured artists include an impressive roster of talents: Jade Suayan, Trip63, Creon Chkn, Blic, Exld Manila, Distort Monsters, Gerilya (Jano and Mar Gonzales), Wesley Valenzuela, Isobel Francisco, Lianne Steffi Lim, Reen Barrera, Egg Fiasco, and Quiccs.
“We are honored to provide a space where creativity can be seen, celebrated, and shared with the community,” said Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of Manila Prince Hotel. “HATCH Emergence reflects our continued support for local talent and our commitment to offering cultural experiences to our guests.”
HATCH Emergence is installed at Manila Prince Hotel’s window display, offering free access to hotel guests and the general public. Admission is free. For inquiries, call +632 5328 2222 or email in**@**********ce.com.
About Manila Prince Hotel
Manila Prince Hotel, a subsidiary of The Manila Hotel, is located in the heart of Manila’s business district, close to the city’s historical tourist attractions and major transportation hubs. With 300 well-appointed rooms, six function rooms and ballrooms, and an elegant lobby featuring 24-hour reception, the hotel offers stylish comfort and great value for money.
Guests can enjoy excellent service and luxurious hospitality, with two dining options available: Marcelino Street Café, which serves all-day dining, and Dragon Court, specializing in Chinese cuisine. Additionally, there is a speakeasy bar called Hyde Manila—a hidden gem that transports patrons to a realm where time stands still and cocktails are crafted with exceptional artistry.
The hotel also connects to UN Square mall for convenient shopping and dining. With all these features, Manila Prince Hotel is a top choice for both leisure and business travelers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 10, 2025 | Health and Wellness
Let’s face it, no matter the weather, the Philippine climate can be challenging—humid, sticky, and unpredictable. Whether hustling through MRTs, walking to work, or just trying to survive the daily grind, staying dry and smelling fresh can feel like an impossible dream. That’s where Hello Glow Quelch Serum Deo Cream comes in. More than your average deodorant, it’s your daily defense against sweat, odor, and underarm worries.
Stay fresh and confidently glowing all day with Hello Glow Quelch Serum Deo Cream
Formulated with 20% Aluminum Chlorohydrate, this deo cream is clinically tested to give 48-hour protection against sweat and body odor. No matter how packed the jeep is or how long the commute, Hello Glow Quelch helps you stay fresh, dry, and confident. It’s perfect for our ever-changing Philippine weather and even more perfect for your busy lifestyle — whether you’re a student on the go, a gym-goer, a workaholic, or someone who just wants to feel fresh all day.
The Hello Glow Quelch’s serum-infused formula combines the benefits of skincare and sweat protection in just one pea-sized amount of product. No sticky mess, no stains on clothes. Just a fast-setting, frictionless application that feels like second skin.
“The name Quelch is inspired by the words quell and squelch,” shares Denice Sy, Hello Glow founder, brand owner, and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. “It’s about quelling sweat and odor at the source while squelching discomfort and irritation. We created a product that doesn’t just keep you dry, but also pampers the skin with nourishing ingredients.”
Whatever your underarm type, Hello Glow Quelch Serum Deo Cream got the glow
Beyond sweat control, Hello Glow offers targeted skincare benefits through two variants. The Whitening variant, in soft pink packaging, is powered by Kojic Acid and Glutathione to brighten and smooth underarm skin. It’s perfect for those looking to lighten dark spots while staying dry.
The Rejuvenating variant, in powder blue, features Niacinamide and Tranexamic Acid to fade pigmentation and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s ideal for anyone dealing with uneven tone or irritation from shaving or friction.
Each tube is packed with skin-loving ingredients such as 2.5% Prebiotic Sorbitol and Bisabolol to moisturize and soothe irritated skin, Madecassoside to help prevent underarm damage and inflammation, and Lactic Acid to balance pH levels while keeping bacteria and odor under control.
At just ₱295, Hello Glow Quelch Serum Deo Cream is a practical must-have for anyone who wants to feel clean and confident, no matter the day’s demands. Available exclusively online through Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, and from resellers and Ever Bilena Direct Sales dealers.
So, don’t sweat it if you’re off to school, running errands, commuting to work, or dancing the night away. Stay fresh, dry, and glowing with Hello Glow Quelch Serum Deo Cream all day.
Follow @helloglowofficial on Instagram and TikTok, visit facebook.com/helloglowofficial, or join the convo on X @helloglowph for updates and fresh drops!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jul 2, 2025 | Stories
On May 20, 2025, I created an account on Letterlux, but I was still undecided about whether I should dip my toes into writing fiction. So, I pondered … for a couple of weeks. I kept stopping to think: Do I have a story in my head that’s worth writing?
In case you didn’t know, I’m a reader, editor, and reviewer—so you can just imagine how self-critical I must be.
At first, I tried other apps like Goodnovel and Dreame, but neither panned out. With one, a confusing conversation with a company rep left me frustrated (I won’t get into the details), while the other said my story wasn’t a good fit for the platform. That one, I actually understood—because I knew going in that the story didn’t follow any of the established tropes.
Then on June 11, 2025, I woke up with a brand-new story doing its best to burst out of my head. It was relentless, like a puppy trying its darnedest to get my attention. It forced me to sit up, open Word, and start typing—a YA/Teen story blending shifter romance and tech/gaming. Within a few hours, I had eight or ten chapters written. The words just kept coming!
That made me wonder: Where would be the best place to publish this?
I asked around. Friends who’ve published on reading platforms—and even on Kindle and paperback—shared their insights. Some of what they said, I’d already seen echoed on social media by other authors.
In the end, I narrowed it down to two platforms: Inkitt and Letterlux.
Inkitt is user-friendly and accepted my story quickly. However, it’s subscription-based (like Ream Stories), so unless I already have a solid following, it’s hard to know what to charge. On the upside, if my story performs well, it might end up on Galatea.
Letterlux, meanwhile, is an umbrella company that distributes to several reading apps. Self-promotion might be trickier once I sign a contract, but the good news is that I won’t have to apply to each app individually.
Even though Letterlux seems a bit more complex, I’m feeling optimistic. I applied for a contract on June 11, once I hit the 5,000-word minimum. On June 16, I received an encouraging message after their initial review. The next milestone is at 30,000 words.
On June 30, I received this system notification:
Good job on writing a longer story! We’ll review your story as soon as possible, and you’ll be notified when the result comes out. If your story passes our review, we’re more than happy to sign a contract with you! Please stay tuned!
I’ll be honest—I had already reached 30k+ words a few days earlier, but I didn’t want to stress myself out. So, I scheduled daily chapter releases. I guess you could say I “banked” chapters, just in case my creative well runs dry in the future.
To date, I’ve written 34 chapters for Call Me Alpha! on Letterlux. Here’s hoping the book gets signed soon, because that would be just the push I need to keep the momentum going. ✨
If you’re curious about the story or have tips on your own publishing journey, I’d love to hear from you!
GCash is the leading finance super app in the Philippines and the largest cashless ecosystem in the country. With the GCash app, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime, pay bills through partner billers nationwide, and send or receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts. Users can also shop from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers, and gain access to services such as savings, credit, loans, insurance, and investment opportunities, all conveniently available on their smartphones.
Letterlux, meanwhile, is an umbrella company that distributes to several reading apps. Self-promotion might be trickier once I sign a contract, but the good news is that I won’t have to apply to each app individually.
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