EastWest Guides Clients Through 2026 with Economic and Feng Shui Insights

Expert-led sessions to help clients navigate opportunities in a fast‑shifting economic landscape

In line with its commitment to empower clients with insights that fuel informed and confident decision making, East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) hosted a series of curated events in Pampanga and Metro Manila to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse with a forward-looking economic outlook for 2026.

The sessions brought together clients from the bank’s Retail, Priority, and Corporate Banking, offering exclusive insights from experts to help them navigate the year ahead with confidence, enhance their wealth management plans, and support their long‑term financial well‑being.

The gatherings featured economist and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) professor Dr. Bernardo Villegas, who outlined emerging opportunities amid shifting local and global market conditions. He emphasized that despite a dynamic environment, the Philippines is poised for moderate yet steady growth.

HONOR and ARRI announce strategic technical partnership to bring ARRI Image Science into next-generation consumer devices

HONOR CEO James Li (left) and ARRI MD David Bermbach (right) at the MWC 2026 announcement

·      ARRI and HONOR extend cinematic image science and production workflows into consumer devices

·     A bridge from the world of high‑end filmmaking to the next generation of creators

·     ARRI technology will debut in HONOR’s upcoming ROBOT PHONE

Leading AI device ecosystem company HONOR has entered into a strategic technical collaboration with ARRI, the world-renowned designer and manufacturer of professional camera technology for cinematic storytelling. This landmark partnership marks a significant step in extending established cinematic standards into the rapidly evolving world of mobile imaging.

By uniting HONOR’s advanced mobile imaging capabilities with ARRI’s century long heritage in defining cinematic image quality, the collaboration reflects a shared ambition to unlock new creative possibilities and extend cinematic standards for visual expression from the world of high-end filmmaking to the next generation of content creators.

“HONOR is pioneering a new era of mobile imaging, where technology exists to inspire creativity and storytelling,” says James Li, CEO of HONOR. “ARRI has defined the visual language of cinema for generations. Through this collaboration, we are bringing those cinematic standards and professional workflows into mobile imaging, enabling creators to craft stories with greater authenticity and emotional depth.”

Where Strength meets Gentle Care: LG redefines the Top Load Wash

In every home, laundry is more than just a routine — it’s part of daily life. From school uniforms to workwear and weekend favorites, each load carries stories. LG’s Top Load Washing Machines are designed with this in mind, combining cleaning strength with intelligent care through technologies such as Smart Motion and Smart Inverter.

Built around the idea that not all power needs to splash, LG focuses on balance — where strength meets gentleness. Rather than relying on aggressive water force alone, LG’s approach centers on smarter movement and stronger cleaning action inside the drum.

Chang Hee Doh, Product Director for Home Solutions, LG Electronics Philippines, said, “We believe cleaning is better when it’s intelligent. With our Top Load Washing Machines, power is guided by care — delivering thorough cleaning while helping protect everyday clothes.”

How financial health and responsible AI can redefine inclusion in the Philippines

 GCash echoes calls for values-driven fintech to drive long-term financial progress

In a country where millions are newly entering the formal financial system, inclusion must be measured not by sign-ups or transactions, but by whether people are becoming more financially resilient over time.

Filipinos deserve access to innovative and seamless financial services so they can participate and thrive in the growing digital economy, underscoring that GCash has remained steadfast in expanding digital financial inclusion.

Rowie Zamora, chief strategy officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, said the real measure of inclusion lies in helping users build healthy financial habits that allow them not just to transact, but to thrive.

“Access is only the starting point,” Zamora said. “Financial inclusion should ultimately help people manage their money better, prepare for uncertainties, and work toward their long-term financial goals.”

Exclusive on Shopee: Get the New HONOR X5c Plus for Just P4,999 This 3.3 Sale!

 

Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just announced its newest smartphone HONOR X5c Plus through a partnership with Shopee Philippines. Combining a sleek design, ultra-long battery life, expansive storage, advanced AI camera capabilities, and a vibrant display, the HONOR X5c Plus empowers users to unlock their potential, setting a new benchmark in the entry-level smartphone category. Now available exclusively on Shopee for just Php 4,999: https://bit.ly/Shop_X5cPlus_PR.

“We’re excited to introduce the HONOR X5c Plus to the Philippine market — a smartphone that brings exceptional battery life, reliable performance, and value-for-money features to everyday users. And we are as proud to partner with Shopee Philippines in bringing this new phone closer to our customers nationwide,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Security Bank Wealth convenes global experts to guide investors through shifting market conditions in 2026

Security Bank Wealth hosted Chinese New Year Appreciation Gatherings in Manila and Cebu, offering clients valuable insights from local and global experts. From (L-R): Jason Lim, Director, Team Lead, Retail Distribution, Southeast Asia, Allianz Global Investors; Angelo Taningco, VP and Chief Economist, Security Bank; Chrissi Morillo, FVP and Investment Strategy Head, Security Bank; Cirilo P. Noel, Chairman, Security Bank; Victor Lee Meng Teck, President and CEO, Security Bank; Jim Yap, EVP and Financials Market Segment Head, Security Bank; Thomas Wu, Market Strategy Analyst, Invesco Ltd.; and Dion Ong, Head of APAC, Horizon Capital AG.

As inflation stabilizes and interest rates begin to normalize, investors are entering a more selective risk environment in 2026—one that calls for disciplined diversification and a sharper focus on opportunity across both local and global markets.

At its recent Chinese New Year client briefings in Manila and Cebu, Security Bank Wealth brought together over 400 clients with local economists and offshore investment strategists to share timely perspectives on navigating this transition.

Boehringer Ingelheim Sustains Excellence as a Top Employer in the Philippines

●       Recognized for outstanding well-being program supporting employees’ physical, mental, social, and financial health

●       Strong results also in career development, rewards and recognition, and work environment

Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines earns Top Employer for the 8th consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to holistic employee well-being. The recognition underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and people-centric workplace.

"Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and their well-being is our top priority," says May Evangelista, Head of Human Resources at Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. "Being certified as a Top Employer reflects how we empower our employees to thrive personally and professionally, while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve."

Jobstreet by SEEK: Hiring mistakes can be costly for MSMEs

Building winning teams starts with the right platform

Employees are the backbone of every organization, especially for Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Essentially, hiring talent is a make-or-break step for businesses, and a single hiring mistake can cost an average of Php 740,000, which can have significant and costly consequences for MSMEs that rely heavily on limited resources.

As part of its advocacy to empower MSMEs, Jobstreet by SEEK, a leading online job portal, equips hirers from small businesses to leverage available tools and its pool of talent that best matches their needs.

In a recent joint study by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), hiring remains largely informal among Philippine MSMEs. They rely on low-cost, informal channels to recruit new employees – primarily walk-in applicants, social media, and referrals. By contrast, formal recruitment avenues are used far less often: hiring through employment programs, online job portals, school/university partnerships, and local agencies or print advertisements.