ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: Flagship Business Laptop Lands in Cebu and Davao

• ASUS Business takes its flagship AI business laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, to Cebu and Davao, expanding access to enterprise-grade AI technology among businesses and professionals in two of the Philippines’ key business hubs.
•  ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon leads the Cebu launch as program host, bringing his perspective as a veteran broadcast journalist and business consultant.  
• More than 1,000 business leaders, IT decision-makers, partners, clients, and media attend the Cebu and Davao launches, underscoring strong regional interest in AI-powered business technology.
• Upgrade and Save! Get up to ₱6,000 off + a free ASUS 100W GaN Charger on ASUS ExpertBook Ultra purchases until October 18, 2026. Available exclusively through official ASUS ExpertBook Stores on Shopee and Lazada.

 

(From left to right): Marro Ventura, National Sales Manager; Francis Avila, Head of Commercial; Rico Hizon, ASUS

Business PH Brand Ambassador, Veteran Broadcast Journalist & Business Consultant; Jolla Valencia, Channel and Territory Account Sales (Visayas); and Liang Chen, Country Product Manager of Commercial Notebook)

 

Manila, Philippines — ASUS Business Philippines is expanding its presence beyond Metro Manila, bringing its flagship laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, and business-grade technology closer to executives, entrepreneurs, and IT decision-makers, driving growth in Cebu and Davao.

Following its Manila debut on July 1, 2026, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra made its regional debut at NUSTAR Resort Cebu in Cebu City on September 7 and 8, followed by Dusit D2 in Davao City on September 11.

Drawing more than 1,000 total attendees, the Grand Launch supports ASUS Business Philippines’ commitment to expanding access to enterprise-grade AI for business technology. For ASUS Business, the message is clear: the next wave of AI adoption and business-grade devices is not limited to one place. It is also taking shape in the regional business hubs where companies are building, scaling, and competing for the future.

Francis Avila, ASUS Business Philippines’ Head of Commercial

Bringing Business-Grade Technology Closer to Fast-Growing Regional Businesses  

ASUS brought its flagship business laptop, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, to Cebu and Davao as part of its continued regional expansion and commitment to making its latest business-grade devices more accessible in key regional markets.

As businesses in Visayas and Mindanao continue to expand, the demand for reliable, high-performance technology that can support increasingly sophisticated workplaces is also growing. Bringing business-grade devices like the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra closer to these markets enables regional businesses to experience the products firsthand and explore solutions tailored to their needs.

The tour kicked off in Cebu City on September 7 and 8, where more than 600 attendees filled the NUSTAR Resort Cebu. The Cebu launch was hosted by veteran broadcast journalist and ASUS Business Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon, alongside co-host Andi Pateña-Mateu, and featured a special performance by Jacky Chang.  

 

(From left to right): Marro Ventura, National Sales Manager; Francis Avila, Head of Commercial; Neilbert Tan, Channel and Territory Account Sales (Mindanao); and Liang Chen, Country Product Manager of Commercial Notebook

 

The tour continued in Davao on September 11, bringing more than 500 attendees together at Dusit D2 for the regional close. The event was hosted by Claire Lara, with a special performance by Aila Santos.

Both launches opened with an Expert Class Forum featuring sales training, a product showcase, and an exclusive first look at the ASUS Business product roadmap and upcoming programs. The event was followed by the Grand Launch, where guests witnessed live durability demonstrations, local dance performances, and a Gala Night that brought together business leaders for an evening of networking and celebration.

 

 

Together, the Cebu and Davao launches mark an important step in ASUS Business Philippines’ regional expansion, bringing business-grade devices and support closer to the companies and professionals shaping the future of Visayas and Mindanao.

ASUS Business Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon leads the Cebu Launch as Host  

 

(from left to right) Rico Hizon, ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador and Andi Pateña-Mateu, Co-Host of the

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Grand Launch in Cebu  

 

The Cebu Grand Launch also marked a significant moment for ASUS Business Philippines Brand Ambassador Rico Hizon, who served as host for the event.

As a veteran broadcast journalist and business consultant, Hizon brings 38 years of experience covering some of the world’s most consequential business stories. 

 

The launch also featured a special “Murphy’s Law” video with ASUS Business ambassadors Gabbi Garcia and Rico Hizon, offering a memorable demonstration of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra’s durability and resilience. Together, they took on “Murphy’s Law”—the idea that anything that can go wrong will go wrong—by putting the flagship business laptop through a series of unexpected challenges and proving that even when things go wrong, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is built to keep going.

 

Watch the Video: Rico Hizon and Gabbi Garcia Beat Murphy's Law with ASUS ExpertBook Ultra

Hizon represents the kind of modern business leader the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is built to support: veteran executives who are constantly connected and navigating a professional landscape where portable devices, durability, and business-grade security are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday work.

 

The Flagship AI PC Built for Modern Business

Boldly positioned as “The Flagship of the Industry. Period.” the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra weighs as little as 0.99kg and measures just 10.9mm thin. It combines an ultra-portable form factor with up to an Intel® Core™ Ultra X9 Series 3 processor, a dedicated NPU delivering 50 TOPS, and up to 180 total platform TOPS.  

 

As a certified Copilot+ PC, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra also features built-in AI features such as ASUS MyExpert. With Military-Grade durability and up to 26 hours of battery life, it’s designed to withstand the demands of frequent business travel and support executives who are constantly on the move.  

 

 

 

No Price Increase: ASUS ExpertBook Ultra Retains Its ₱129,995 Introductory Price  

Despite widespread price increases across the PC market, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra maintains its introductory price of ₱129,995.

The decision reinforces ASUS’ aim to make its latest business technology more accessible to Philippine enterprises, SMBs, and professionals, particularly as businesses increasingly look to AI-powered business-grade devices to improve productivity and stay competitive.

 

 

Limited-Time Offer until October 18, 2026: Save Up to ₱6,000 on ASUS ExpertBook Ultra + FREE ASUS GaN Charger

Customers who purchase the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra from the official ASUS ExpertBook Stores on Shopee and Lazada can enjoy up to ₱6,000 in savings, plus a free ASUS 100W GaN charger.

The promotional offer is available until 11:59 PM on October 18, 2026. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-266989, Series of 2026.

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra (B9406CAA) – Specifications 

CPU	Up to Intel® Core Ultra X9-388H processor with up to 50 TOPS NPU (Total 180 TOPS)
GPU	Intel® Arc™ B390
Memory	Up to 64GB LPDDR5x, 8533 MT/s
Storage	Up to 2 TB M.2 PCIe®5.0 SSD
Display	14.0-inch, Tandem OLED, WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) 16:10, Anti-glare display, Touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® and Corning® Gorilla™ Matte, 600nits (1400nits HDR peak brightness)
	14.0-inch, Polymer OLED, WQXGA+ (2880 x 1800) 16:10, Anti-glare display, Touch screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® and Corning® Gorilla™ Matte, 450nits (1000nits HDR peak brightness)
Battery	70 Wh, 4-cell, Li-Polymer
Weight	Starts from 0.99kg
Dimensions	31.09 x 21.28 x 1.09 cm
Wireless	Triple-band 2x2 WiFi 7 (802.11be) + Bluetooth® 6.0
I/O Ports	Left side:    1 x Thunderbolt™4 Type-C (supports 4K display, USB PD3.0 )    1 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A    1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS    1 x 3.5 mm combo audio jack      Right side:    1 x Thunderbolt™4 Type-C (supports 4K display, USB PD3.0)   1 x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A
Security	ASUS ExpertGuardian & NIST SP 800-193 Compliance, ASUS Security Processor, Dual Self-healing BIOS ROM, Discrete TPM 2.0 (FIPS 140-2), Microsoft Pluton, Match-on-Chip Fingerprint, Windows Hello IR, Physical Webcam Shield, Chassis Intrusion Alert.
Color	Morn Grey (Flagship color) and Jet Fog
OS	Up to Windows 11 Pro (Windows 11 Home available in retail)

 

Where to Buy the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra in the Philippines  

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is available starting at ₱129,995 in the ASUS Concept Store SM City Fairview, the ASUS Concept Store SM Dasmarinas, Villman Stores, and the ASUS ExpertBook Stores on Lazada and Shopee.  

 

•        Where to Buy ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: https://ph.asus.click/ExpertBookUltraWheretoBuy

•        ASUS ExpertBook Store – Lazada: https://ph.asus.click/ASUSExpertBookStoreLazada

•        ASUS ExpertBook  Store – Shopee: https://ph.asus.click/ASUSExpertBookStoreShopee

Trusted by IT Experts. Built for Worry-Free Business.  

Visit the ASUS Business Website, contact your nearest ASUS Business authorized reseller, or fill out the Volume Purchase Form for business orders.

Optum Philippines Expands Presence in Cebu with New Regional Hub

Optum Philippines VP for People Rain Tan, Managing Director Samarth Mathur, and Senior Director and Cebu Operations Site Lead for Cebu Glenda Banawa-Roco

CEBU, Philippines — Optum Philippines, one of the leading healthcare global capability centers (GCC) in the Philippines, officially inaugurated its new offices in the heart of Cebu IT Park. As part of UnitedHealth Group, the organization demonstrated its strong commitment to recognizing, nurturing, and growing talent, thereby strengthening Cebu’s strategic position as a vital hub for healthcare innovation and professional excellence.

Optum Philippines Managing Director Samarth Mathur welcomes guests to the newly opened site in Cebu

“The new Cebu office marks an exciting chapter for Optum in the Philippines,” said Samarth Mathur, Managing Director of Optum Philippines. “Located in Cebu IT Park, it reflects our confidence in the role of Filipino talent in shaping global healthcare. Through spaces that encourage collaboration and innovation, we look forward to supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.”

Unlocking Cebu’s Potential as a Global Capability Center Hub

As the Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for GCCs, Optum Philippines is expanding its capabilities beyond traditional operational support to deliver specialized healthcare services. This evolution reflects broader shifts in healthcare, where work increasingly centers on analytics, digital health solutions, automation, AI-enabled workflows, and innovation. As a result, new career opportunities are emerging in areas such as healthcare analytics, digital operations, pharmacy account management, and AI-related functions, enabling talent to build specialized skills and contribute to global healthcare outcomes.

Cebu plays a key role in this transformation, supported by a skilled workforce increasingly engaged in higher-value healthcare and technology work with global impact. To support industry collaboration in the region, Optum Philippines, in partnership with the Global Capability Center Council Philippines (GC3) and Toby’s Sports, recently hosted the inaugural Optum GC3 Cup, a one-day pickleball tournament that brought together representatives from GC3 member organizations and promoted connection and wellness through sports and movement across the Cebu GCC community.

Empowering Talent Through Upskilling and Innovation

As demand for higher-value GCC roles continues to evolve, Optum Philippines remains focused on developing talent equipped to contribute across increasingly specialized areas of healthcare, technology, and business operations.

The organization also celebrated the completion of the first cohort of its Technology Development Program (TDP). This program is designed to develop high-potential graduates into enterprise technology talent through structured learning, hands-on experience, and global collaboration opportunities. As part of their development journey, TDP associates participated in an Enterprise Early Careers bootcamp alongside peers from the United States, India, and Ireland, providing early exposure to cross-functional teamwork and enterprise-wide learning. The TDP also reflects Optum Philippines’ growing partnerships with academic institutions across the region to help create pathways for graduates to pursue careers in healthcare technology and digital innovation.

Redefining the Workplace Experience

Optum Philippines continues to prioritize belonging through intentionally designed workplace experiences and environments. The new Cebu office features collaborative workspaces, wellness rooms, and recreational areas that encourage connection, productivity, and balance.

Optum Philippines Managing Director Samarth Mathur welcomes guests to the newly opened site in Cebu

“Employee wellbeing is vital to creating a workplace culture where people can thrive,” said Glenda Banawa-Roco, Senior Director for Operations and Cebu Site Lead at Optum Philippines. “As a healthcare organization, care is at the heart of everything we do, and that extends to our workforce, whose contributions help drive our success.”

For more information on Optum Philippines and its initiatives, visit the official website or Optum Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn.

New on the Menu: This Month's Eats in Visayas at SM Supermalls

Your monthly food plans just got an upgrade! 🤤 From Iloilo to Cebu, SM Supermalls is welcoming three dining names that give you one less reason to reply 'any!' in the group chat. 

This month's lineup covers every kind of craving: bold Tex-Mex favorites, Filipino dishes built for sharing, and Japanese hamburg steaks served fresh off the grill. 

Whether you're planning a celebration, a quick catch-up, or a dinner that breaks the routine, here are three new tables worth checking out at SM Supermalls!

• Chili's  

Bring a big appetite and the whole barkada! Chili's is opening this September at SM City Iloilo, bringing its signature burgers, sizzling fajitas, ribs, and handcrafted drinks. Marking the brand's first branch in the region, it's an easy pick for family celebrations, casual dinners, or any day that calls for bold flavors and shareable plates.

• George & Onnie's 

Family recipes take center stage at George & Onnie's, opening soon at SM City Cebu. Its first branch in the Visayas brings modern Filipino comfort food made for sharing, perfect for long lunches, family gatherings, and those days when only a hearty, familiar meal will do.

• Niku Niku Oh!! Kome 

Ready for dinner with a little more sizzle? Niku Niku Oh!! Kome is coming to SM City Cebu for its first location in VisMin! Known for freshly made Japanese beef hamburg steaks grilled in front of diners and paired with Japanese rice, it turns comfort food into an experience you can customize with every bite. Come for the aroma, stay for the satisfying plate, and bring the friend who's always first to suggest Japanese food! 👀

One mall run, three ways to update your food plans! Go for Tex-Mex favorites in Iloilo, settle into Filipino comfort food in Cebu, or make room for a Japanese hamburg steak experience making its VisMin debut. 

Whichever table matches the mood, this month at SM Supermalls Visayas brings more reasons to gather, celebrate, and try something worth talking about. That's MY SM, always intentional with you! 💙

Check out these latest openings and see what's new at SM Supermalls. Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for updates.

SM City Mindpro, DTI 9 Empowers MSMEs Through Business Continuity Plan Workshop

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 15 September 2026 – Reinforcing its commitment to supporting local enterprises and fostering sustainable economic growth, SM City Mindpro, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 9, conducted a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Training-Workshop for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region.

The initiative brought together entrepreneurs, business owners, and industry stakeholders for a comprehensive learning session aimed at strengthening business resilience and preparedness in the face of evolving challenges and uncertainties. Through the workshop, participants gained practical knowledge on how to safeguard their operations, protect their workforce, and ensure continuity during disruptions.

Leading the discussion was John Mayo Enriquez, President and Managing Partner of Ascent Consultancy, who served as the resource speaker. Drawing from his expertise in business strategy, organizational development, and risk management, Enriquez shared valuable insights on developing effective business continuity plans that enable enterprises to adapt, recover, and thrive amidst changing business conditions. 

For SM City Mindpro, the activity reflects its dedication not only as a business destination but also as a community partner that actively supports the growth and sustainability of local enterprises.

“At SM City Mindpro, we believe that empowering MSMEs means investing in the long-term strength of our local economy. Through initiatives like this, we aim to help entrepreneurs develop the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. We are proud to partner with DTI Region 9 in creating learning platforms that contribute to the success and sustainability of our business community,” shared Engr. Rommel Bellen, Assistant Mall Manager of SM City Mindpro.

The partnership between SM City Mindpro and DTI Region 9 underscores a shared commitment to nurturing a resilient MSME sector, recognizing its vital role in driving innovation, generating employment, and stimulating inclusive economic growth in the region.

As MSMEs continue to serve as the backbone of local economies, initiatives such as the BCP Training-Workshop demonstrate how meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors can empower entrepreneurs and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous Region 9.

Through programs that promote learning, preparedness, and innovation, SM City Mindpro remains steadfast in its mission of creating shared value for communities and supporting the continued growth of local businesses that drive regional development.

SM Group receives 15 Philippine Quill Awards for stakeholder communications

SM Foundation's health and wellness programs continue to bring basic healthcare services directly to communities nationwide.

PASAY CITY, Philippines, 07 September 2026 — SM Group companies received 15 Philippine Quill Awards, including six Excellence Awards, for communications programs spanning community engagement, customer service, financial education, investor relations and digital communications.

The awards went to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, and businesses across the Group, including SM Foundation, Inc., SM Supermalls (Shopping Center Management Corporation), BDO Unibank, Inc., China Banking Corporation and Signature Series by SM Residences (Signatures Development Corp).

“Good communication helps people understand what our businesses do and why it matters to them,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments. “These awards reflect the work across the Group to communicate clearly with the customers, investors, partners and communities we serve.”

SM Foundation received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. Its “Utilizing Social Good as a Force for Transformation” campaign received Excellence Awards for Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility, while #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online: Transforming Lives Through Heartfelt Storytelling received an Excellence Award for Social Media. Its social good report was also recognized under Publications.

“Communication is an important part of strengthening the impact of development programs,” said Debbie Sy, Executive Director of SM Foundation. “It helps communities understand the opportunities available to them, gives people a voice, and brings partners closer to our mission. That is what spreading social good means to us, using communication to help social good initiatives reach and engage more people.”

BDO received four awards, including three Excellence Awards. “Life Insurance: The Key to Heaven?”and “Tuloy ang Plano: Making Plan B a Family Necessity” received Excellence Awards for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication, while “Your Child’s Dreams Need a Plan B” received an Excellence Award for Audio/Visual Communication. BDO Remit’s “Alagang Kabayan: Where Every Kabayan Belongs” was also recognized for Social Media.

SM Investments was recognized for SM In Focus, a group-wide online channel as part of SM’s evolving approach to stakeholder communication, leveraging on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to provide timely, structured, and relevant insights on the group’s operations and impact.

SM In Focus host Rico Hizon (center) visits the Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s Tiwi site to gather groundbreaking business initiatives and sustainability stories for the online channel.

SM Supermalls received three awards for Active Hub, Mindanao and International Coastal 2025, covering Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Through Mindanao Art, SM Supermalls provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase Mindanao's diverse creativity and cultural heritage.

“Our programs begin with understanding what our customers and communities need,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “Communication helps us listen, respond and keep improving how we serve them.”

Chinabank received two awards. Its Investor Relations: Focused on Value campaign was recognized for Financial Communication and Investor Relations, while My CBC Campaign: An App Fit for Beauty Queens was recognized for Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Signature Series was recognized for “Setting a New Mark in Premium Residential Living” under Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication.

Organized by the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC), the Philippine Quill Awards recognize communication programs and practices across organizations in the country. This year’s winners were selected from more than 800 entries evaluated against IABC standards.