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 | 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.
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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.

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