SM companies among Top 5 in ASEAN good governance

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Capital Market Forum (ACMF) recognized SM Investments Corporation, the parent firm of the SM group, and its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. among the Top 5 Philippine publicly listed companies (PLCs) and Top 50 ASEAN PLCs.

Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur on July 24, the biennial awards highlighted the top publicly listed companies assessed under the 2024 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS). Recently cited were SM Investments Corporation, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. BDO Unibank, Inc. and China Banking Corporation.

SM’s banking arm, BDO Unibank, Inc. ranked among the Top 50 ASEAN PLCs. Among the six Philippine PLCs awarded, three were from the SM group. BDO was the only Philippine bank to earn a spot on the Top 50 list.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the SM group were Maria Virginia A. Tolentino-Uy, Senior Assistant Vice President – Governance, Risk and Compliance at SM Investments Corporation (leftmost); and Joana B. Tiangco, AVP – Enterprise Risk Management and Governance at SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (second from right); Joining them were Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Francis Ed. Lim (second from left) and SEC Commissioner Mcjill Bryant T. Fernandez (rightmost).

In addition, China Banking Corporation (Chinabank), another financial institution under the SM group, was also named to the ASEAN Asset Class of publicly listed companies, an honor given to firms that have achieved consistently high scores under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).

Receiving the awards on behalf of the SM group were (from left) Maria Virginia A. Tolentino-Uy, Senior Assistant Vice President –Governance, Risk and Compliance at SM Investments Corporation; Joana B. Tiangco, AVP – Enterprise Risk Management and Governance at SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; and Lorelei Lorraine L. Sy, Senior Vice President and Head, BDO Singapore Branch.

Anchored on the 2024 ACGS Regional Assessment, this is the second time the organization affirmed SM’s corporate governance standards at par with internationally-accepted best practices after both SM Investments and SM Prime secured the top 5 spots in the Philippine Asset class and top 20 ASEAN Publicly Listed Companies in the 2022 awarding ceremony.

“Good governance is essential to long-term value creation. We continue to align our governance practices with global standards to help build trust and deliver sustainable outcomes for our stakeholders and the communities we serve.” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments Corporation. 

“Our recognition at this year’s ACGS Awards validates our commitment to building sustainable and resilient communities,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime Holdings. “It affirms our belief that good governance goes hand in hand with long-term value creation for shareholders and stakeholders alike.”

“BDO’s corporate governance principles are about effective oversight, strict compliance with regulations, and sustainable value creation to promote the best interest of its various stakeholders. We value this recognition which affirms our deepest commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance practices,” Nestor V. Tan, BDO Unibank, Inc. President said.

“This recognition reaffirms Chinabank’s steadfast commitment to responsible corporate governance that goes beyond compliance while embedding ethical stewardship into our culture,” said Chinabank President and CEO Romeo D. Uyan, Jr. “We are driven by our goal to always create long-term value for our stakeholders.”

The ACGS evaluated 569 large-market-cap PLCs across the region, recognizing companies that uphold the highest standards of corporate governance aligned with international best practices. These are conducted by domestic ranking bodies per ACGS-member country followed by peer evaluation at the regional level. The assessments are based on publicly available and accessible information such as annual reports, corporate websites, corporate governance policies, and sustainability reports, among others.

The ASEAN Corporate Governance Initiative, comprising the ACGS and the assessment of PLCs, is a flagship effort under the ACMF, which has been collaborating with the Asian Development Bank since 2011.  Over the years, the ACGS has been instrumental in fostering a strong corporate governance culture in ASEAN, encouraging PLCs to adopt internationally recognized corporate governance principles, driving improvements in transparency, board accountability, shareholder rights and sustainability practices. The scorecard has also contributed to innovative business models prioritizing ethical leadership and long-term value creation. (SM Prime)

Score and Save Big at SM City Mindpro’s 3-Day Sale

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop as SM City Mindpro rolls out its most exciting 3-Day Sale yet from August 15 to 17, 2025! Shoppers can enjoy up to 70% OFF on a wide array of items from participating stores and retail brands mall-wide!

 

Whether you’re upgrading your wardrobe, sprucing up your home, or simply treating yourself, SM City Mindpro’s 3-Day Sale is your ultimate destination for great finds at unbeatable prices. And the excitement doesn’t stop at savings—this sale brings you a chance to drive home a brand-new Suzuki Jimny 5-Door GL MT!

For every ₱1,000 single or accumulated receipt purchase during the sale period, customers earn one e-raffle entry for a shot at winning this sleek and powerful ride. The more you shop, the more chances you have to win!

So mark your calendars and head to SM City Mindpro from August 15 to 17. Don’t miss the fun, the thrills, and the fantastic deals waiting for you and the whole family!

Stay updated by following @SMCityMindpro on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Celebrate 40 SUPER YEARS with SM – where shopping meets surprises!

HUAWEI Unveils XMAGE Exhibition and Pura 80 Series, Showcasing the Future of Mobile Imaging

Manila, Philippines (August 8, 2025) — In partnership with Vogue Philippines, HUAWEI hosted a spectacular celebration blending cutting-edge innovation, artistry, and elegance for the official Philippine launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. The grand affair, held on August 7 at the BGC Arts Center in Taguig City, was elevated by the HUAWEI XMAGE Photography Exhibition, featuring stunning, high-quality images captured with HUAWEI smartphones.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro are now open for pre-orders, starting at PHP 59,999. The HUAWEI Pura 80 will also be arriving in the Philippines soon.

An Evening of Elegance and Innovation

The launch was a gathering of the country’s top celebrities, photographers, and style influencers, all dressed to impress in looks mirrored the striking design of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series. Among the notable guests was award-winning Filipino actor Jericho Rosales, who shared how the Pura 80 Series has effortlessly become part of his lifestyle—whether as a stylish accessory at red carpet events or as his go-to camera for capturing stunning nightscapes during motorcycle rides. He praised its groundbreaking mobile imaging technology, trendsetting “fashion-next” design, and AI-powered performance. He said they suit every part of his life, from big occasions to intimate moments with friends. “It’s more than just a phone—it’s a companion that lets me capture my world, day or night, in the best way possible,” Rosales said.

Driven by a shared passion for pushing creative limits and reimagining visual storytelling, HUAWEI teamed up with Vogue Philippines for the launch. As a global authority in style and culture, Vogue brought its signature editorial flair to the celebration, with Suki Salvador, President of Mega Global Licensing, taking the stage to reflect on the power of phone photography in preserving fleeting moments. He highlighted how HUAWEI’s cutting-edge mobile imaging technology gives creatives the tools to tell their stories with clarity and vibrance. With the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, photographers like Borgy Angeles and Gab Villareal can capture everything—from golden-hour portraits to the buzzing Poblacion nightlife—with remarkable detail and true-to-life colors in every shot.

“Regardless of the medium, day or night, it’s the (wandering) eye that is truly capable of discovering stories worth telling,” said Suki Salvador. “With the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, the gap that once divided professionals from casual photographers begins to coalesce, letting anyone and everyone tell their narratives the way they always envisioned.”

HUAWEI Pura 80 Series: Precision in Every Frame

During the event, the spotlight shone brightly on the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro, embodying the legacy of the HUAWEI Pura Series. Both devices are now available for pre-order in the Philippines. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra leads the charge, debuting the industry’s first Switchable Dual Telephoto Camera, which combines a 3.7x mid-telephoto and 9.4x ultra-telephoto lens in one unit that a 1/1.28-inch Ultra Large Sensor backs. This groundbreaking setup enables the largest telephoto light intake, delivering cinematic portraits and sharp, detailed close-ups. 

1 This feature represents an industry-first innovation as of July 2025. Actual performance may vary depending on usage, environment, and software version. Data comes from HUAWEI labs.

A micron-level motor powers the seamless switch between focal lengths with over 140 precision components driving a compact system that increases the light path versus traditional telephoto modules. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra also features a revolutionary 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera, which has a greater full-well capacity and delivers unmatched light and shadow capture. Real-time TCH-HDR technology enables 16EV dynamic range for flawless exposure in bright daylight or dim nightscapes. The 1-inch Ultra Lighting HDR Camera works with the AI Cinematic Engine to deliver stunningly lifelike video with rich detail and natural contrast.

On the other hand, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro elevates close-range mobile photography with its Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto Camera, which offers a Super Close Focus of up to 5cm. This allows users to capture intricate textures and fine details with stunning clarity. Its massive F2.1 aperture enhances light intake, enabling vibrant, true-to-life imagery even in challenging low-light conditions. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro also inherits the 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera, which boasts the largest central camera light intake. Along with the Ultra Chroma Camera, this delivers rich, ultra-clear nightscape shots that faithfully reproduce colors and atmosphere in low-light environments. This gives users vivid, lifelike results that preserve the mood and magic of every moment.

Dazzling Design and Naturally Perfect Glazing

The HUAWEI Pura Series has long fused high-end imaging with brilliant, fashion-forward design. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Series advances this vision through its refined Forward Symbol design. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra stands out with a golden XMAGE badge, ring lens trim, and “golden glaze” finish. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra in Prestige Gold features a lustrous glazed surface with metallic brilliance, while the Golden Black option offers quiet sophistication underscored by precision detailing.

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro channels the elegance of monochrome glazes with smooth textures, flowing curves, and rich hues that blend Eastern and Western aesthetics. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro in Glazed Red exudes breathtaking allure, Glazed White shines like the moon, and Glazed black is as deep as night. This seamless fusion embodies the pure sophistication of HUAWEI’s “Grace of Glaze” design language.

Blending elegance with durability, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra features 2nd Gen Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass with up to 16x scratch and 25x drop resistance. In contrast, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro’s 2nd Gen Kunlun Glass offers up to 20x drop resistance. 

Both boast IP69 and IP68 dust and water resistance, combining premium design with durable protection.

Relentless Performance and AI-Driven Innovation

Beyond imaging excellence, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series features the ultra-bright HUAWEI X-True Display™ with a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. EMUI 15 brings AI-powered interactive themes like Emoji Crush and Air Hoops. The AI Remove feature allows one-tap object erasing, while AI Messaging keeps users’ messages safe from prying eyes. The AI Smart Control Button gives quick access to personalized functions like the camera or flashlight, doubling as a fingerprint sensor for added security. Air Gesture offers touch-free control, real-time AI noise cancellation keeps calls crystal-clear, and real-time translation makes multilingual communication effortless. A robust 5170mAh battery keeps the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series powered. Charging is lightning-fast and easy with 100W HUAWEI SuperCharge and 80W Wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge.

XMAGE EXHIBITION: Capturing the World Through HUAWEI’s Lens

During the recent global launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series, HUAWEI kicked off the XMAGE Awards 2025, a prestigious international photography competition that celebrates creative vision and the art of mobile imaging. This year’s winners will be honored at the highly anticipated XMAGE Annual Ceremony and Exhibition, which will take place at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris this November. 

Open to professional photographers and hobbyists, the contest features eight categories: So Far So Close, Colour & Shade, Good Night, Faces, A Heartwarming World, Experimental Lab, Storyboard, and Action. To enter, interested participants can upload their submissions at the official XMAGE Awards 2025 website until September 15, 2025.

The Philippine launch of the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series brought the XMAGE experience closer to Filipino audiences with a photography exhibition showcasing over 100 striking images captured on HUAWEI devices. 

Following this, more XMAGE exhibitions are slated to launch in the Philippines to inspire local talent and highlight the groundbreaking imaging capabilities of HUAWEI devices. 

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) Delivers Portable PC-Like Experience, Wherever You Go

HUAWEI’s newest tablet innovation, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025), was also featured at the event. The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) combines PC-like productivity and pro-level creativity in a sleek, portable design that’s ideal for students and young professionals on the go. It includes free PC-level WPS Office 2.0access  for complete function editing and the HUAWEI Smart Keyboard for a smooth, stable typing experience. The PaperMatte Display offers clear, low-reflection viewing for any scenario while its massive 10,100mAh battery keeps it powered for up to 14 hours of high-resolution video playback. The tablet now comes with the GoPaint app, which empowers users to bring their artistic visions to life precisely and efficiently. The HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 (2025) will soon be available in the Philippines.

Capture Beauty Beyond the Horizon with the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro

The HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra is now available for pre-order on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Available in Prestige Gold and Golden Black, the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra retails for PHP 89,999.

Pre-order the HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro in Glazed Red, Glazed Black, and Glazed White on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok, HUAWEI Online Store, and HUAWEI Experience stores nationwide. The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro is valued at PHP 59,999. Both the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra and HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro come with premium care services, including free 1-Year 1-Time Accidental Damage Protection and 1-Year Battery Renewal Service from HUAWEI Care+, official APAC Region warranty coverage, Priority Maintenance Service, as well as a free door-to-door Collection and Delivery for repairs.

Get an exclusive pre-order bundle, which includes a HUAWEI WATCH GT 5, HUAWEI FreeBuds 5, a 1-Year 1-Time Accidental Damage Protection and Battery Swap Service from HUAWEI Care. 

Stay tuned for the official release of the HUAWEI Pura 80, coming soon to the Philippines. To learn more about the HUAWEI Pura 80 Series and the XMAGE Exhibition, visit HUAWEI’s official website or social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).

Red Bull Half Court Returns to the Philippines for Another Intense Season

Photo Credit: Ezra Acayan / Red Bull Content Pool

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (August 1, 2025) – Prepare your team! Red Bull Half Court is back in the Philippines with a new season full of excitement, hard work, and intense games. As the country’s biggest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament, it’s the perfect chance for local players to show their skills and compete for a spot to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in the UAE this coming November.

The Ultimate Streetball Tournament is Back in the Philippines

Red Bull Half Court brings players worldwide the fastest and most exciting 3-on-3 street basketball games. The tournament will hold qualifying games in over 20 countries across five continents in partnership with FILA and Spalding. New countries joining this year include South Africa, Norway, and Kosovo.

Legendary NBA shooting coach Chris ‘Lethal Shooter’ Matthews shared his excitement for this year’s tournament, saying, “Year after year, Red Bull Half court continues to push the game forward. Seeing the sport grow in new countries and watching these athletes bring their best is truly special. I can’t wait to see who makes it to the World Final in the UAE.”

Photo Credit: Markus Berger / Red Bull Content Pool

Red Bull Half Court is different from regular basketball because it’s played on only half the court with teams of 3 players. The games follow FIBA rules and last 10 minutes or until one team scores 21 points. The team with the highest score at the end of the game—or the first to reach 21 points—wins.

To make the game more exciting, the team with the most total points from all their games will get a special “Own the Court” bonus to help them move to the next round. The game is also made faster and more intense with two special spots behind the arc where players can score 3 points in one shot.

Red Bull Half Court and 7-Eleven are returning the heat for their 2025 season in the Philippines with a new 2-day format for the qualifier rounds. Regional games will be held in Davao on August 30 and 31, Cebu on September 13 and 14, and Manila on September 27 and 28. The first day will be for the elimination games, and the second day will be for the final match of each region. The winning teams from each location will move on to the Red Bull Half Court National Final in Manila on October 18. There, they’ll compete with some wildcard teams for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final in the UAE.

Photo Credit: Ezra Acayan / Red Bull Content Pool

Own the Court at Red Bull Half Court Philippines

Think your team has what it takes to dominate the court? Form a group of 3 to 4 players, all 18 or older. All players must live in the Philippines, and at least three should have a valid Passport.

To register, purchase four cans of Red Bull from any 7-Eleven store and upload the receipt upon signing up through the official Red Bull Half Court website. Registered teams automatically get light and dark Red Bull Half Court jerseys. 

Get ready and sign up for the Red Bull Half Court qualifiers today! The first qualifier kicks off in Davao on August 30 and 31. Don’t miss the National Final in Manila on October 18!

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | TikTok)

Chinabank nets P13 billion in first half 2025

China Banking Corporation (Chinabank; PSE: CBC) registered a net income of P13 billion in the first six months of 2025 on the back of strong core business growth.

 

The record profits were equivalent to a 14% increase over the same period last year and translated to a 15.2% return on equity and a 1.6% return on assets — among the highest in the industry.

The bank’s total revenues surged by 34% year-on-year to P38.9 billion, mainly from net interest income which grew by 15% to P34.9 billion on higher asset yields and loan volume. Net interest margin improved by 13 basis points to 4.57%.

“We continue to deliver strong operating results in the first semester while supporting the needs of our customers and contributing to the growth of our economy,” CBC President & Chief Executive Officer Romeo D. Uyan Jr. said.

Credit extended to the consumer and corporate segments rose by 18% as Chinabank’s gross loans hit P964.7 billion amid the accelerating economic activities and increasing consumer confidence. Despite a lower non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of 1.6%, well below the industry average of 3.5%, the bank proactively set aside higher credit provisions of P6.5 billion for an NPL coverage of 125%, higher than the industry average of 95%.

The loans growth was funded by deposits, which increased by 5% to P1.3 trillion, underpinned by a 10% growth in checking and savings accounts.

“We are sustaining our growth momentum as we execute our strategy and focus on delivering quality service and value to our clients and stakeholders,” Uyan added. 

In the six-month period, operating expenses reached P16.6 billion on higher technology, manpower, and business volume-related costs.  With revenue growth outpacing rising expenditures, Chinabank recorded a healthier cost-to-income ratio of 43%.

Total consolidated assets reached P1.7 trillion, marking an 8% increase from the same period last year.  Total equity grew by 15% to P174 billion.

The bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at 15.62%, well above the minimum regulatory requirement. Book value per share increased by 15% to P64.65.

“Our robust performance was driven by our commitment to addressing client needs while effectively managing risks and promoting efficiencies.  We have ensured that our balance sheet remains strong.  Additionally, the recent accolades we received recognize Chinabank’s customer focus and banking excellence,” CBC Chief Finance Officer Patrick D. Cheng said.

Celebrating its 105th year on August 16, 2025, Chinabank was recently distinguished by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum as an ASEAN Asset Class, an honor given to listed firms that have achieved consistently high scores under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard.  At the 2025 Asian Banking & Finance Awards, the bank won Service Innovation of the Year - Philippines for its pioneering 30-Minute Instant Credit Card Issuance Program and Banking for Women Initiative of the Year - Philippines for the CBC Velvet Visa Signature. The bank was also named among the best Philippine firms in investor relations and corporate management by Extel in its 2025 Asia (ex-Japan) Executive Team Rankings, and among the region’s largest companies in terms of total revenues by Fortune in its Southeast Asia 500 list. (SM Supermalls)