Commuters now have a reliable way to pay for trains with GCash.

 

Days move fast. For daily commuters, they are a constant juggle—beating the rush, staying on

schedule, and making sure you get from home to work as quickly as possible.

Which is why nothing spikes commuter stress like realizing you’re low on balance—right when

you’re already in line, already late, and already surrounded by equally rushed strangers.

Suddenly, it’s a scramble: searching for a top-up station, queuing behind others, or dealing with

reloading machines that seem to break only during peak hours or even the ticket booths where card top-up lines merge with single-journey ticket purchases. In the middle of rush hour, these small hiccups turn into full-blown setbacks, proving that top-up problems don’t just delay your commute—they derail your entire day.

One Less Thing to Worry About—Thanks to GCash

Somewhere between the morning rush and the daily routine, you discover GCash—and finally,

no more second-guessing your balance while the line grows longer behind you, checking your

balance in a stored value card reader, or lining up again to reload at the ticket booth or machine.

With GCash, your phone or GCash Visa Card is your train ticket!

And even on days when you do need to cash in, it’s easy–You can CASH IN FOR FREE at GCash cash in machines, available across all MRT-3 stations, or transfer funds online from your bank accounts. Topping up can fit seamlessly into your commute instead of disrupting it. With FREE WI-FI AT THE MRT also available, you can complete transactions on the spot—no data, no detours, just a smoother commute from start to finish.

With GCash, you can ride the MRT-3 in hassle-free ways:

Tap to Pay using your phone

Using an NFC-enabled Android phone? Great news! Your device is now your ticket for a

seamless entry and exit pass.

To get started, GCash Tap to Pay is a quick, one-time activation:

1. Simply tap Settings on your mobile phone.

2. Turn on the NFC feature.

3. Login to your GCash app.

4. Select Tap to Pay and agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Once activated, paying for your MRT-3 ride is just one tap away. Just login to your GCash app,

then tap your phone on the turnstile upon entry to proceed to the platform. Upon exit, don’t

forget to tap your phone again at turnstile to automatically deduct the exact fare.

Scan your GCash Commute QR

No NFC-enabled Android phone for tapping? No worries! You can still enjoy the convenience of cashless commuting by generating a Commute QR code on your GCash app, serving as your digital ticket without the need to input any station details.

Here's how easy it is:

1. At the start of the trip, tap Commute on the GCash app.

2. Click Generate QR. You may download the QR or take a screenshot.

3. Scan your Commute QR at the turnstile, then proceed to the train platform.

Upon exit, just scan the same QR code again, and the exact fare will be automatically deducted from your account.

Spotty signal, running out of battery, or simply love using a card? You can still breeze through

your MRT-3 commute using your GCash Visa Card. Just like the current card ticketing system,

you can simply tap your card upon entry and again upon exit. The GCash Visa Card is linked to

your GCash wallet – use it directly to pay not just for MRT rides but also shopping in millions of

online and offline stores and withdraw from your GCash account in any ATM for as low as P10.

See the details of your GCash Visa Card payments on your app’s Transaction History.

To use this convenient payment method, order your GCash Visa Card on the app, and after it is

delivered to you, make sure to link it to your GCash account:

1. Tap 'Cards' in the GCash app to order or link your GCash Visa Card.

2. To order – Select ‘Order a Card,’ then input your delivery address and pay P250. It will

be delivered to you in 7-10 days.

3. To link – Select 'Order Card' 'Link my Card,' then input the One-Time Pin (OTP) and submit.

4. Enter the last 4 digits of your card and your virtual account number found on the back,

then submit.

In a world where every minute is accounted for, convenience isn’t a luxury—it’s self-care.

Saving precious minutes by skipping the line at the ticket booth or machine, eliminating a bit of stress there, and keeping your headspace intact can make all the difference in how the day

feels. Simple tools, like GCash, take the friction out of everyday routines, proving that small wins add up.

With its growing daily usage, GCash has become a trusted and established payment option at

MRT-3—making it a seamless part of the everyday commute. Whether you tap, scan, or use

your card, you are not just skipping one extra line and saving yourself time, but also

experiencing a global, innovative way to pay with GCash!

Karla Estrada Joins W Express: A Milestone 55th Anniversary and a New Face of Trust

Kargo Kween Karla Estrada during the W Express Presscon with her as the new brand ambassador

 In the fast-paced world of logistics, trust is the ultimate currency. This February, W Express, a pioneer in the Philippine courier industry, celebrated a monumental milestone—55 years of service. To mark this "emerald" anniversary, the company held a star-studded launch at the Makati Diamond Residences, officially introducing television host and entrepreneur Karla Estrada as its new brand ambassador. The event was hosted by versatile host, Kaladkaren. 

Event's host: Kaladkaren

The partnership is a perfect match: Karla Estrada, known for her warmth and reliability, represents the "Queen Mother" level of care that W Express has provided to Filipinos since 1971.

A Legacy of 55 Years: From DHL Roots to W Express

A blooming Karla Estrada faced the press during the said launch

Founded by the late Rodolfo Feliciano, the company originally introduced the DHL brand to the Philippines. Today, as Wide Wide World Express (W Express), it remains a household name. Under the leadership of Chairman and President Dawn Feliciano, the brand has evolved from a simple courier service into a comprehensive logistics powerhouse with over 100 branches nationwide.

Karla Estrada during the contract signing with W Express executive and W Express President Ms. Dawn Feliciano

"W Express has focused on delivering reliable service that customers can depend on. Karla embodies the warmth and authenticity that resonate with our customers," said Dawn Feliciano during the event.

More Than Just a Courier: Discover W Express Services

Whether you are an individual sending a gift or a business managing an entire supply chain, W Express offers a suite of services designed to take the stress out of shipping.

1. Door-to-Door Express Delivery

From documents to large parcels, W Express provides seamless domestic and international delivery. Their "Easy-Pak" and "Easy-Doc" solutions ensure that your items reach their destination safely, whether it's across the street or across the globe.

2. Comprehensive Logistics & Warehousing

For entrepreneurs and corporations, W Express is a strategic partner. Their logistics services include:

• Pick and Pack: Professional handling and packaging of orders.

• Nationwide Distribution: Reaching even the most remote areas of the Philippines.

• Warehousing: Secure storage and inventory management to keep your business moving.

3. Air and Sea Cargo Forwarding

Need to move heavy loads? Their cargo forwarding services offer flexible transport options via air or sea, ensuring that bulk shipments are handled with the same precision as a small envelope.

4. Hassle-Free Authentication Services

One of the standout features of W Express is their specialized document handling. They offer one-stop-shop authentication for:

• CHED (Commission on Higher Education)

• DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs / Apostille)

• PRC (Professional Regulation Commission)

• Schools and Universities

This service is a lifesaver for OFWs and students, eliminating the need for "legwork" and long queues at government offices.

5. Exclusive Korean Visa Application Center (KVAC) Assistance

Planning a trip to Seoul? W Express is the exclusive courier partner of the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC). You can submit your Korean Tourist Visa (C-3-9) application at any W Express branch. Karla Estrada herself shared during the launch that she used this service personally, praising it for being "smooth, secure, and stress-free."

With 55 years of expertise and a nationwide network you can trust, W Express continues to bridge the gap between people and their goals.

Ready to send your first package or process your visa? Visit the nearest W Express branch today or check out their official website to track your shipments in real-time!

For more info, call (+632) 88798888 or visit www.wexpress.com.ph

5 Ways eye care is a love language

 

Valentine’s Day is often painted in reds and pinks—flowers, chocolates, handwritten notes, and carefully planned dates. But beyond the grand gestures, love today is found in the everyday choices we make for ourselves and the people we care about.

This Valentine’s Day, EO Executive Optical, the No. 1 optical in the Philippines with the most number of stores nationwide, invites you to see love a little more clearly—starting with your eyes. Because love isn’t blind, it’s intentional, proactive, and rooted in care.

1. It’s choosing to show up at your best—for your date and beyond

 Whether it’s a candlelit dinner, a movie night, or a simple coffee date, nothing disrupts a romantic moment quite like squinting at the menu or struggling with tired, strained eyes. Eye care is a form of self-love that ensures you show up confident, comfortable, and fully present.

EO Executive Optical experts explain that untreated vision issues often lead to headaches and fatigue—things that can quietly take the spark out of even the most thoughtfully planned Valentine’s date. Taking care of your eyes means taking care of how you experience the world around you.

2. It prevents stress from stealing the romance

Love thrives when stress is kept in check. But vision problems don’t always announce themselves; they show up subtly, through eye strain, blurred vision, or constant tiredness. Over time, these small discomforts can affect your mood, patience, and energy.

A simple eye exam is proactive love. It helps prevent small issues from turning into big distractions, allowing you to focus on connection instead of discomfort. This Valentine’s Day, prevention is romance.

3. It helps you notice the little things that make love special

Love lives in the details—a shared smile across the table, a knowing look, the way someone’s eyes light up mid-conversation. Clear vision allows you to catch these fleeting moments, the ones that deepen connection and make memories last.

For EO Executive Opticall, healthy eyesight enhances attentiveness and emotional presence. When nothing is left unseen, love feels more intimate, more intentional, and more real.

4. It’s caring not just for yourself, but for the person you love

From driving safely on date night to navigating crowded places hand in hand, your eyesight plays a vital role in protecting the people you care about. Eye care isn’t just personal, it’s relational.

Taking care of your eyes is a quiet way of saying, “I want to keep you safe.” And on Valentine’s Day, that kind of love speaks volumes.

5. It’s investing in a future you can see better, together

Valentine’s Day celebrates the present, but real love plans for tomorrow. Regular eye care helps prevent long-term vision problems and unexpected medical costs—allowing you and your partner to focus on building memories, not managing surprises.

EO Executive Optical emphasizes that preventive eye care is an investment in clarity, comfort, and peace of mind. It’s love that looks ahead and chooses well-being for the long run.

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Love looks better when you see it clearly

This Valentine’s Day, love doesn’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes, it’s as simple as taking care of yourself so you can fully take care of others. And with EO Executive Optical, love is best seen when nothing is left unseen.

Visit your nearest EO Executive Optical branch for a check-up. And for more eye care tips, updates, and promos, follow EO Executive Optical on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

DTI Kicks Off 2026 Trade Fair Calendar with Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair

 

Mandated to promote the efficient marketing of local products and expand market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town One Product (BMDPO) continues to strengthen its national trade fair program as a core platform for enterprise growth, buyer linkage, and product development.

As part of this mandate, DTI-BMDPO will open the 2026 trade fair calendar with the DTI- Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair, happening from February 18 to 22, 2026, at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

Building on a Year of Strong Results

In 2025, DTI-BMDPO, in partnership with industry stakeholders, successfully delivered ten DTI–Bagong Pilipinas national trade fairs, alongside strategic international participations across priority sectors.

Across these national fairs, participating enterprises generated a combined Php 621.1 million in cash sales, confirmed orders, and ongoing negotiations, directly benefiting 1,490 MSMEs nationwide. Collectively, the fairs attracted more than 163,000 buyers and visitors, significantly expanding market reach for Filipino products and strengthening domestic value chains.

According to DTI-BMDPO, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of sustained trade- fair programming in moving MSMEs beyond one-time transactions toward longer-term market relationships and brand growth.

A Curated Showcase of Sustainable Filipino Products

The 2026 National Trade Fair will present a curated selection of eco-friendly, design-driven, and high-value Filipino products for buyers, entrepreneurs, and conscious consumers.

A major highlight of the fair is the upgraded Philippine Sustainability Pavilion, featuring furniture, textiles, fashion, and handicrafts made from coconut-based materials, engineered bamboo, natural fibers, plant-based dyes, and native grasses sourced from regions across the country. Innovative uses of recyclable and reusable materials will also be showcased, transformed into functional pieces for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

Beyond the exhibition floor, visitors can take part in daily live activities, including craft workshops, product demonstrations, and cultural performances. These activities aim to deepen appreciation for Filipino creativity while highlighting the skills, materials, and traditions behind locally made products.

Strengthening B2B Sourcing Through Buyer’s Day 2026

Complementing the National Trade Fair is DTI Buyer’s Day 2026: Sourcing and Connections, a dedicated pre-event activity designed to strengthen business-to-business (B2B) sourcing, networking, and partnership-building between MSMEs and institutional buyers.

Buyer’s Day 2026 will serve as a venue to show appreciation to institutional partners and corporate buyers, particularly those who have consistently supported the DTI’s trade events.

Together, the National Trade Fair and Buyer’s Day form an integrated platform that connects MSMEs with both consumer and institutional markets, reinforcing DTI-BMDPO’s market- driven approach to enterprise development.

Trade Fairs as Engines of MSME Growth

DTI-BMDPO’s trade fairs function as more than retail platforms. They serve as engines of MSME development, enabling enterprises to test products, refine branding, adjust pricing strategies, and respond to consumer demand in real time.

Large-scale national fairs deliver broad visibility and high foot traffic. For many participants, repeated exposure across multiple fairs has translated into stronger sales performance and improved readiness for both domestic and export markets.

DTI-BMDPO Supervising Head Asec. Nylah Rizza Bautista noted that the 2026 trade fair calendar strengthens both retail and B2B market linkages. “With twelve trade fair events planned for 2026, we are strengthening the trade fair program as a system—one that combines consumer-facing platforms with buyer sourcing and networking opportunities. This approach enables MSMEs to move beyond single-event participation toward sustained market integration,” she said.

Anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas Vision

Anchored on the Bagong Pilipinas agenda, the 2026 National Trade Fair reflects DTI- BMDPO’s continuing commitment to sustainable production, elevated Filipino design, and inclusive market access for MSMEs. As the opening event of the 2026 trade fair calendar, it sets the tone for a year focused on stronger buyer engagement, expanded sourcing opportunities, and more meaningful business outcomes for Filipino enterprises.

Whether sourcing sustainable products, exploring B2B partnerships, or discovering proudly Filipino innovations, the 2026 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair offers a dynamic platform where sustainability, creativity, and enterprise converge.

To know more about the upcoming 2026 DTI-Bagong Pilipinas trade fairs, follow their social media accounts on Facebook (@BDTP), Instagram (@dti.bmdpo), X (@DTI_BMDPO). You may also email bmdpo@dti.gov.ph for more information.

Mang Inasal makes Ihaw-Sarap more accessible with its newly revamped delivery app

 

Whether it’s a spontaneous family salu-salo, a late-night craving, or a weekend treat for yourself, Mang Inasal is making sure your favorite Ihaw-Sarap meals are now just a few taps away! The brand recently rolled out its newly revamped delivery app, offering a smoother, more rewarding way to order Mang Inasal food anytime, anywhere.

 

Designed with convenience in mind, the new Mang Inasal App puts Pinadaling Ordering front and center. The improved interface allows users to browse, order, and check out with ease, cutting down wait time, and making the whole experience feel refreshingly simple.

With the app, value remains key! Through Pinakasulit Prices, the app offers lower prices compared to other online delivery platforms, paired with a fixed Php 49 delivery fee and no surge pricing. That means more budget-friendly orders and more sulit Ihaw-Sarap fixes, even during peak hours or busy mealtimes.

 

And because no Mang Inasal experience is complete without a little extra saya, the app also comes with Pinatodong Deals: exclusive promos and treats available only to app users. From special discounts to surprise freebies, every order has the potential to feel a little more exciting!

“At Mang Inasal, we’re always looking for ways to make our Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya experience more accessible to our customers,” said Mike V. Castro, President of Mang Inasal. “With the revamped Mang Inasal App, we’re making it easier, more rewarding, and more convenient for our customers to enjoy their favorites, whether they’re ordering for themselves or sharing a meal with family and friends.”

“We really encourage people to download and register on the app because we’ve made it one of the most convenient and rewarding ways to enjoy Mang Inasal to date,” said Baberly Barairo, Mang Inasal’s Channels Marketing Manager and the delivery app project lead. “There are already some exclusive deals going on for in- app orders, but we also have a lot of exciting new features coming up for our users, so I hope they keep a look out for that in the future.”

The app’s launch was marked by the first-ever Mang Inasal Creators Lab, a gathering that brought together today’s content creators for a day of learning, collaboration, and creative exchange. Held at Concept Space Manila in Quezon City, the event featured some of today’s top content creators like world-famous Lumpia Queen Abi Marquez, relatable food, lifestyle, and fashion vlogger Jahd Ong, and comedic short-form video creator Steven Bansil, alongside fellow influencers exploring fresh ways to create engaging content.

 

The Creators Lab highlighted Mang Inasal’s growing presence in the creator space, showing how the brand continues to connect with communities through creativity, storytelling, and shared experiences.

 

With a revamped delivery app and a new platform for creators, Mang Inasal proves that enjoying Ihaw-Sarap isn’t just about the food, but about making every experience more convenient, more rewarding, and more fun.

 

Want more Mang Inasal exclusives NOW? Visit www.manginasal.ph for the latest

news, https://manginasaldelivery.com.ph for delivery deals, and follow Mang Inasal

on social media for more Ihaw-Sarap and Unli-Saya updates!