BINI Jhoanna plays a cameo role in Puregold’s heartwarming tribute to sari-sari store owners

Puregold carries on with its heartfelt tribute to Filipino sari-sari store owners or micro-entrepreneurs with its Sari-Sari Stories video series, the newest installment of which features a special cameo from BINI’s Jhoanna. “The Witness” is a short film that tells a tender, coming-of-age love story, one that unfolds across the years, shaped by change, constancy, and the quiet presence of a sari-sari store owner who sees it all.


Jhoanna’s cameo adds an extra layer of warmth and relatability to the narrative, underscoring the film’s message of appreciation for small business owners across the country. Affirming the role sari-sari stores play in Filipinos’ everyday lives, Jhoanna shared, “Importante na hindi mawala ang sari-sari store. Bukod sa pagiging very Pinoy, ito pa rin ang pinaka-accessible sa maraming komunidad. Iba pa rin yung may mapupuntahan kang malapit sa’yo.”



The latest Sari-Sari Story follows the budding romance between two childhood sweethearts, their youthful ardor eventually evolving—through the years—into real enduring love. The video depicts the highs and lows of their relationship, all from the perspective of a humble sari-sari store owner who witnessed them all.


Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad echoed Jhoanna’s sentiments, saying, “Puregold has always been a proud ally of micro-entrepreneurs across the country. Through Sari-Sari Stories, we continue to uphold the role sari-sari store owners play in our everyday lives. In their communities, they bring people together by providing convenience and access to daily essentials.”


“The Witness” rides on the momentum of earlier Sari-Sari Stories installments such as “Ways” featuring SB19’s Stell, and “The Sign,” which included a cameo by Skusta Clee. The series has collectively sparked conversations online and resonated with netizens, Aling Puring members, and Puregold followers, reinforcing the remarkable part sari-sari stores play in everyday Filipino life.

As the series continues, audiences are spurred to watch for the next story, reflecting how sari-sari stores have—over time—integrated themselves into people’s lives and into the communities they serve.


Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Puregold CinePanalo announces top 20 Student Shorts finalists for 2026 festival run

Puregold CinePanalo, currently on its third iteration, has unveiled the top 20 student short films culled from an impressive pool of 267 submissions nationwide. Chosen from an initial top 53 shortlist, the select entries were crafted by the Philippines’ most promising student filmmakers who are poised to shape the future of Philippine cinema. 

The following are the 20 Student Shorts selected for this year’s Puregold CinePanalo:

“Starfish” by John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

“Alumahan” by Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines

“A MILLION DREAM” by Ace Joven Balleta, University of Eastern Philippines

“Kanibal” by Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines (Visayas)

“Miss Intrams” by Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines (Mindanao)

“THE SOUND OF K” by Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University

“TEKS BATTLE: SHOOT PATI PATO!” by John Russel Capule, University of Caloocan City

“TINGI” by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School

“Pulis Dunggab” by Maxine Dela Bajan, iACADEMY Cebu

“Kapag Tapos na ang Umpukan” by Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation

“Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” by Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of the Philippines (Visayas)

“Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas” by Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines (Open University)

“12 Shots” by Minnesota Flores, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

“No Mad is An Island” by Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University

“Nakabinbin” by Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila

“When Heaven Inched Towards Earth” by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

“Limlim” by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje, St. Dominic College of Asia

“Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked)” by Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines 

“Kun Hain? Bisan Diin” by Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

“Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

The young filmmakers behind these top entries will benefit from this year’s more expansive Puregold CinePanalo, which offers a production grant of Php 200,000 and sponsorship of equipment packages to support the production of their films. 

Furthermore, Puregold CinePanalo, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), presents expanded educational incentives for the student filmmakers. Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI, alongside additional tuition benefits and career guidance programs. 

Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, extends her congratulations to the top 20 finalists. “Reaching this stage was no easy task. We believe these young filmmakers carry some of the most important stories that need to be told today. We are proud to provide them with a platform to bring these stories to life, and we look forward to seeing how the Filipino audiences connect with and respond to these films created especially for them.”

Now a recognized platform in the Filipino film industry, Puregold CinePanalo is a festival dedicated to amplifying young Filipino voices and their craft. Since its launch, the festival has awarded hundreds of thousands of pesos in grants to student filmmakers, creating opportunities for their professional development and exposure. 

The festival is scheduled for September 23 to October 4, 2026 at Araneta City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, where the 20 student shorts will screen alongside seven full-length feature films. 

Films produced and launched through previous Puregold CinePanalo festivals have gone on to garner critical acclaim, with alumni works screening and earning awards at notable film festivals here and abroad. 

For more information on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, you may stay updated through the official festival Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo. 

Jollibee brings back Mix & Match to let customers enjoy Best sa Sarap favorites together

 

Jollibee, the Philippines’ no. 1 fastfood chain, has brought back Mix & Match, giving customers new ways to enjoy its best-tasting favorites in a single meal. Starting at ₱78, diners can pair popular mains and sides, showing how the brand’s Best sa Sarap items are meant to be enjoyed together.

 

With the return of Mix & Match, Jollibee puts the spotlight back on the taste of its core products while giving customers the freedom to enjoy them their way. By bringing together popular mains and sides in one offering, the brand aims to make it easier for customers to enjoy their Best sa Sarap favorites in combinations they prefer.

 

“Mix & Match is all about bringing people together over the Jollibee favorites they love,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “It lets everyone enjoy our best-tasting products in a way that feels personal, letting them choose the combinations that make their meal the perfect match.”

 

Under Mix & Match, customers select one main and one side. Main options priced at ₱78 include the Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, and 1-piece Burger Steak, while ₱88 mains include the Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, and Jolly Hotdog. Side choices include Soda Float, Peach Mango Pie, Choco Sundae, Jolly Crispy Fries, and the newly introduced Iced Mocha.

 

 

This 2026, Jollibee Mix & Match is endorsed by the Nation’s Girl Group BINI, whose strong group dynamic reflects the spirit of the offering. Each member brings her own personality, and together they show how different favorites can come together to create a more enjoyable experience.

 

“BINI reflects what Mix & Match stands for,” Ching added. “Just like with food, life is better when everything you love comes together. Kahit anong piliin mo, masarap. Kahit sinong kasama mo, mas masaya!”

 

Watch the latest ad here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/870310422408342

 

Fans are encouraged to share their favorite Mix & Match combinations online, turning everyday meals into moments of connection. With the message “Maraming match. At lahat, Best sa Sarap,” Jollibee Mix & Match underscores the joy of choice and the pleasure of enjoying great-tasting food together.

 

Jollibee Mix & Match is available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru.

 

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

 

UPMBT Shares Love, Care, and Connection

 Beyond the Court: UPMBT players show their “Top Love & Care” in TopBreed’s latest community initiative

The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) proved that their strength extends far beyond the hardwood as they joined TopBreed’s Top Love & Care Day, a heartwarming community initiative dedicated to bonding with the UP Emotional Support Animals (UP ESAs).

In a touching display of warmth and compassion, the team spent the day learning about pet welfare, comforting rescue animals, and sharing moments of pure joy with the pets who provide psychosocial support to students and staff across campus. Led by Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) pet care brand, TopBreed, the event highlighted how genuine care can empower a community, and how athletes can inspire it.

The UP ESAs, founded in 2019 and supported by volunteer groups such as Friends of Campus Animals–UP (FOCA UP), play a vital role in alleviating stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue among students and faculty. Through training, medical care, and frequent engagement activities, these animals bring comfort to the campus community, making the players’ visit all the more meaningful.

For UP ESA member Christian Arranz, the day was a reminder of how much joy the ESAs bring to the university.

“Our ESAs have helped spread top love and care in our university with their cuteness and unconditional love for every single person here — students, faculty members, and staffers —  by just being there and being available for petting every single time.” 

Meanwhile, guard and team captain Gerry Abadiano emphasized how much the team benefits from moments like these, especially in the middle of demanding training schedules. It was a well-deserved break from training and a chance to give back to the dogs that have been instrumental in alleviating the stress and anxiety of their community.  

“Kahit mainit and umulan, nakakawala sila ng pagod at nawawala yung mga stress namin. Para sa akin, deserve nila ng mas marami pang time tulad nito, for us to bond and play with them. They definitely deserve the top nutrition we can give.”

For UPMBT’s LA Andres, who is a fur parent himself, the event felt especially personal.

“Ang sarap nilang kasama dahil nakakalimutan ko yung pagod ko pag nakakalaro ko sila. Being a pet parent myself, I enjoy spending time with the Emotional Support Animals because it reminds me of the time I spend with my dogs back home. Deserve nila ng unlimited love and affection.”

TopBreed Reaffirms Its Promise of “Top Love & Care”

TopBreed continues to champion pet health and well-being through nutrition, wellness and advocacy-driven initiatives like this one. By bringing the UPMBT closer to the ESAs, the brand underscores its commitment to elevating pet care standards while nurturing a community built on empathy, care and connection.

The day’s activities mirrored TopBreed’s brand promise to give every pet the “Top Love & Care” they deserve, from proper nutrition to meaningful human interaction.

A Community Strengthened by Care

Throughout the event, the smiles of student volunteers, ESA caretakers, and the athletes reflected what the UP community has long known: that love, compassion, and care, whether on four legs or two, can make a lasting positive impact.

TopBreed’s partnership with the UP ESAs continues to pave the way for more programs that advocate for responsible pet care, emotional support awareness, and community well-being. 

TopBreed invites more Filipinos to join its mission of giving every pet the Top Love & Care they deserve.

Watch the TopBreed and UPMBT’s video here and stay tuned for more initiatives to discover how you, too, can help create a healthier, happier community for pets and the people who love them. 

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Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. TopBreed, URC’s pet care brand under its Agro-Industrial Group, offers high quality and top-value products including TopBreed dog and cat meals, Top Care Cat Litter, ShamPooch dog shampoo, and TopB+ pet vitamins. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

Turn Your Holiday Spending Into Big Wins with GCash When You Shake It, Win It

 

Manila, Philippines — The holidays are the ultimate season of giving, but for many of us, it also means juggling a long list of expenses that come from preparing for Noche Buena, buying gifts, and traveling with friends or family. With Christmas just around the corner, GCash is here to sprinkle a little extra fun on your everyday spending with its Shake It, Win It raffle. 

This Merry GCash season, every time you use GCash to pay, you get chances to win prizes every single day! Whether you’re checking out your cart online, wandering through Christmas bazaars, or catching up over dinner, paying with GCash automatically earns you entries to the raffle giveaway. It’s an easy way to get rewarded for all your little moments of heartfelt generosity, and paying will always be fast and seamless with GCash.

From November 10, 2025, to December 26, 2025, users have the chance to win GCash credits ranging from PHP 5,000 all the way up to PHP 1 million with every shake, with more surprise credits popping up when just opening the app. And it doesn’t stop there! Whenever you pay with GCash Tap to Pay, you unlock special entries toward the season’s ultimate reward — a brand-new hybrid BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic. It’s the biggest giveaway of the season yet, turning everyday payments into extraordinary wins. 

Everyone’s invited to Shake It, Win It, and here’s how: 

1. Open your GCash app and click on your Merry GCash banner at the top

2. Click Shake It, Win It

3. Agree to the terms and conditions to proceed – this will only pop up once

4. Shake your device! The more entries you have, the more chances to shake

5. Check your prize. After shaking your device, you’ll see what prize you have won for the day

Make this holiday season feel a little lighter – and a lot more rewarding – with GCash. Download the app today and turn every payment, purchase, and shake into a chance to win big! Follow @gcashofficial to stay updated on all things Merry GCash.

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About GCash

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App and Largest Cashless Ecosystem. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only $5 billion in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

G-Xchange Inc. (GXI) is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To know more, Visit the GCash Help Center or call us at 2882 (Globe/TM) / (02) 7213-9999 (Globe Landline), or Internet Call through the Help Center.

For more information, please contact:

Gilda Maquilan
VP and Head of Corporate Communications
GCash
Email Address: corpcomm@gcash.com

Jollibee makes Christmas season more joyful with “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign as Simbang Gabi begins

 

Jollibee is celebrating the Christmas season with its biggest holiday campaign yet as Filipinos across the country welcome the start of Simbang Gabi with back-to-back treats. The “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” (The Joy of Christmas is Complete) campaign highlights the many ways Filipino families and communities celebrate the season today, creating a more joyful December for customers nationwide.

“This Christmas, Jollibee wants to remind every Filipino that the true joy of the season comes from being together. No matter where or how we celebrate, what really matters is celebrating with the people we love,” said Dorothy Ching, Jollibee Philippines’ vice president for marketing. “Totoong mas buo ang saya ng Pasko kapag magkakasama tayo at pinagsasaluhan ang mga paborito nating mga pagkain.”

A heartfelt film for the changing Filipino family

This year’s “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign features a touching Christmas film made in partnership with Forsman and Bodenfors Singapore. The film captures how Filipino families continue to evolve, showing real moments across different walks of life. It follows hospital workers sharing a Christmas meal during their shift, security guards bonding over simple food, couples treating their pets like family, single parents enjoying time with their children, and large families reuniting across generations.

Jollibee said the film celebrates the idea that while traditions change, the spirit of love and connection that defines a Filipino Christmas remains strong.

Joyful Christmas Stores illuminate the nation

Now on its third year, Jollibee’s Joyful Christmas Stores have returned brighter and bigger. This 2025 season marks the largest rollout to date, with 300 decorated branches nationwide. Each store features festive lights and community inspired touches to bring happiness to neighborhoods, including areas affected by recent calamities.

Customers may locate these decorated stores through the Jolly Christmas Tours digital map powered by Google. 

A new nationwide celebration for Simbang Gabi 

To bring the Christmas spirit to communities early, Jollibee launched the first ever Christmas JOY Day during the opening of Simbang Gabi. The brand joined dawn masses in select Manila churches such as San Agustin Church, Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Sta. Ana Church, and San Fernando de Dilao Parish (Paco Church). Churchgoers received free Jollibee treats as part of the nationwide countdown.

The celebration continued in select schools like Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan, Kapt. Jose Cardones Integrated School in Taguig, and St. Mary’s Elementary School in Marikina. Students received Jollibee Kids Values Books and treats for free, bringing early Christmas cheer to young learners.

New offerings that complete holiday gatherings

Inside the stores, customers can get their hands on the Christmas Bundle, available nationwide for ₱399, which includes a collectible Jollibee Bag Charm and items like Chicken Fillet with Pepper Cream Sauce and Jolly Spaghetti, offering a festive treat for the whole family. Promo runs until December 31, 2025.

Customers can also enjoy the new Family Super Meals, starting at ₱599, perfect for Noche Buena, featuring Chickenjoy, rice, drinks, and sides. Jollibee is also expanding its Christmas Big Order Service, making holiday celebrations easier for families, offices, schools, and communities looking for delicious, hassle-free party food.

Celebrating the Filipino spirit of togetherness

Through its inspiring film, festive store transformations, special on-ground activations, and exciting holiday offerings, Jollibee hopes to bring families and communities closer this December. The brand said its “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign reinforces a simple message: Christmas joy feels complete when it is shared with the people we love.

Whether people gather in churches, schools, workplaces, homes, or their favorite Jollibee store, the brand aims to make every moment of the season more joyful and meaningful for Filipinos everywhere.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com/, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!