Gracee's Lifestyle Journal

A new batch of Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) have started their entrepreneurial journey and showcased their micro-businesses at the Dreamers’ Pop-Up Bazaar, a culminating event for the JA It’s My Dream, a joint initiative by FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) and Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines). Now in its second year, the JA It’s My Dream program aims to equip OSYs with crucial financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills that foster them to become business owners. FWD Philippines, as the insurer of the next generation, believes that a better Philippines begins with empowered young individuals who create positive impact for themselves and their communities. We remain committed to nation-building by enabling every Filipino to shape their best future and celebrate living. Hector Angeles, Chief Advocacy Officer of JA Philippines, underlined how OSYs and their potential should not be defined by circumstance. “With the right tools, support, and encouragement, the...

DoubleVerify ("DV") (NYSE: DV), a leading software platform to verify media quality, optimize ad performance, and prove campaign outcomes, today announced the launch of the DV Authentic AdVantage TM , a first-of-its-kind solution that combines DV’s trusted media quality controls with DV Scibids AI TM to drive superior outcomes across walled garden environments. The solution initially will launch across proprietary video platforms, enabling advertisers to enhance performance while safeguarding brand equity. “Marketers have long faced a tradeoff when trying to advertise across premium video content from top creators without driving up CPMs, forcing a choice between reach and media quality,” said Mark Zagorski, CEO of DoubleVerify. “DV Authentic AdVantage eliminates that compromise by uniting media quality protection and campaign performance optimization in a single, streamlined solution. This industry-first offering helps brands boost spend efficiency, scale reach, and achiev...

An opportunity to pay it forward. TP Dreambuilder volunteers led by TP in the Philippines Vice President of Operations Marick Miraflor (11th from left, top row) at Bambang Elementary School, Pasig City, Metro Manila Philippines, June 25, 2025 – TP, a global leader in digital business services, successfully participated in the 2025 Brigada Eskwela Program. Said program is an annual initiative of the Department of Education (DepEd) which mobilizes various sectors, organizations, and individuals to ensure that public schools are safe, resilient, and well-equipped for the upcoming school year. With literacy as DepEd’s key priority, this year’s theme, “Brigada Eskwela: Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa,” spotlights the Department’s nationwide campaign advancing literacy development. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, Citizen of the World (COTW), TP in the Philippines has consistently supported Brigada Eskwela, demonstrating the organization’s continued commitment to the improv...

Despite the nationwide decline in inflation, prices of various goods continue to rise in sari-sari stores across the Philippines. New data from Filipino tech startup  Packworks , which analyzed more than one million monthly sales transactions from its network of over 300,000 sari-sari stores nationwide through its mobile app and business intelligence tool, Sari IQ, tracked price movements across multiple product categories from 2023 to 2025. The analysis revealed that costs continue to climb despite a general decline in inflation, with some categories experiencing average price increases of at least 11% across various regions nationwide. Key findings include significant retail price increases across the board for items like baby oil and baby powder. Notably, a 50-milliliter (ml) bottle of  Johnson’s regular baby oil  increased by 17%, from PHP 42.00 in 2023 to PHP 49.00 in 2025. Meanwhile, a 100-gram pack of  Tender Care baby powder  rose by 25%, from PHP 40.00 ...

Raffy S. Algarra Jr., EastWest Head of Financial Markets and Wealth Management, receives the Best Discretionary and Advisory Services Offering award at the 2025 Global Private Banking Innovation Awards. EastWest Priority, the affluent banking arm of EastWest, has been awarded Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2025. This honor affirms EastWest Priority’s focus on thoughtful, tailored service and wealth strategies that speak to the needs of affluent clients across the country. Launched in 2016 following EastWest’s acquisition of Standard Chartered’s retail banking and wealth portfolio, EastWest Priority has evolved into a trusted financial partner by helping clients grow, preserve, and maximize their wealth through a suite of tailored products and relationship-led service.   Where Personalized Care Meets Technology In 2024, EastWest Priority demonstrated its leadership in client-centricity by expanding its footprint to ...

For years, Samsung Electronics has designed its devices around what people truly need, such as better performance, sharper cameras and smarter ways to stay connected. And, with Galaxy AI, it goes beyond what devices can do — it’s about how people interact with them. As AI rapidly becomes the new user interface, it’s redefining our relationship with technology. No longer just a collection of apps and tools, the smartphone is evolving into a smart companion that understands user intent and responds in real time. This transformation moves us from reaction to anticipation – where, as AI becomes the UI, intent becomes instant. The next-generation Galaxy devices are being reimagined around a new AI-powered interface, supported by breakthrough hardware built to unlock their full potential. This future is already unfolding, and the best of Galaxy AI and Samsung craftsmanship is about to be unveiled. On July 9, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York – a borough with an ext...

Whether it’s the daily commute, weekend errands, or family road trips, a reliable car gives you the freedom and confidence to go wherever life takes you. More than just a means of transportation, it’s an investment in convenience, safety, and peace of mind. With PSBank Auto Loan, getting behind the wheel is simple, fast, and hassle-free. Fast, Flexible, and Made for Everyday Life Let’s face it: buying a new car is a big investment. That’s why having the right financing partner makes all the difference. With so much to manage in a day, car financing should be the least of your concerns. Start your journey by planning ahead with the PSBank Auto Loan Calculator, which helps you estimate your potential monthly payments in just a few clicks. Once you're ready, you can apply for a PSBank Auto Loan online—and get a loan decision in as fast as 24 hours. Managing your payments is just as simple.You can make payments through PSBank Mobile, PSBank Online, over-the-counter at any PSBank branch...

Leading global technology brand HONOR continues to make waves even after the launch of the HONOR 400 5G on June 17. In the recently concluded talent search of GMA, Sparkle Campus Cutie, it has been seen that HONOR Philippines awarded the most deserving among the Top 20 Finalists.  “Aside from bringing photos to life, HONOR 400 5G brings dreams to life too. We support up and coming talents across the country that’s why we also partnered up with Sparkle Campus Cutie to make dreams come true,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.   20 finalists from different schools in the Philippines battled it out for the coveted title of Ultimate Sparkle Campus Cutie. For weeks, the finalists trained under the leading talent institution in the country, Sparkle GMA Artist Center.  In the end, it was between Andrei Fajardo and Mad Ramos, and after a tie-clinching decision, the latter was awarded Ultimate Sparkle Campus Cutie—bagging a contract under Sparkle GMA Artist Cente...

realme Philippines, together with its Global HQ, has officially launched the GT 7 Series. This impressive lineup raises the bar not just in performance but also in design. Leading the Series lineup is the realme GT 7 Dream Edition, a co-designed device created in partnership with the Aston Martin Aramco F1® Team.  This exclusive edition seamlessly blends high-performance smartphone engineering with the sleek, adrenaline-charged aesthetic of one of motorsport’s most iconic names. The collaboration reflects the shared values between the two brands. The Aston Martin Aramco F1® Team’s “Driven From Within” philosophy, a mindset rooted in inner strength, relentless pursuit of excellence, and a passion for pushing limits. This perfectly aligns with realme’s GT Series ethos, “Born To Exceed,” which champions constant innovation and transcendence in mobile technology. The realme GT 7 Dream Edition embodies this synergy of vision and purpose through its standout features: Design Concept Brin...

Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Chief Privacy Officer of Globe and Gigo Alampay, Executive Director of CANVAS at the launch event The halls of the National Museum are coming to life with color, curiosity, and purpose, as Globe partners with the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) to open a unique year-long exhibit titled “Tumba-Tumba: A Retrospective.”   Celebrating CANVAS’ 20th year of promoting children’s literacy and Philippine art and culture, the exhibit features interactive installations, striking artworks, and powerful storytelling—all curated with young minds in focus. Designed to spark imagination and dialogue, the exhibit invites children to explore their rights, the power of creativity, and how to navigate an increasingly digital world.   “This partnership is about creating a space where learning and play come together, and where kids can better understand how to protect themselves online,” said Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, Chief Pri...