Haier Run for Future Possibilities Returns in 2025 with a Bigger Mission

MANILA, Philippines — Following the resounding success of its inaugural event, Haier Philippines is bringing back the Haier Run for Future Possibilities on May 25, 2025 (Sunday) at Block 20, MOA Complex, Seaside Blvd, Pasay City. Now on its second year, the run continues to blend fitness, fun, and a deeper purpose—supporting access to education for Filipino children.

The 2025 edition carries forward Haier’s mission to go beyond home innovation and give back to communities. For every step taken by participants, Haier will donate to initiatives aimed at improving learning opportunities for the youth—making each stride truly meaningful.

Race Details & Registration

Participants can choose among three race categories:

3K – PHP 900

5K – PHP 1,000

10K – PHP 1,200

All registered participants will receive a race kit that includes a singlet, RFID race bib, finisher’s medal, and a string bag. Runners in the 10K category will also receive an exclusive finisher’s shirt and bandana.

Registration is open until May 9, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Interested participants may sign up through this official link:

https://rsrjevents.myruntime.com/.../haier-run-for-future...

Exciting Prizes for Winners

Haier will be awarding top finishers in both male and female divisions across all categories with high-value appliances:

10K Category

1st Place: T-Door Refrigerator

2nd Place: Top Load Washing Machine

3rd Place: Window-Type Air Conditioner

5K Category

1st Place: 43" Smart TV

3K Category

1st Place: Top Load Washing Machine

These prizes highlight Haier’s core commitment to creating smart, high-quality solutions that elevate everyday life at home.

A Run with a Cause

The Haier Run stands out not only for its premium prizes and festive atmosphere but also for its strong social advocacy. By tying every runner’s step to a greater cause, the event becomes more than just a physical challenge—it becomes a platform for meaningful change.

As Haier continues to champion innovation that cares, the Haier Run for Future Possibilities 2025 invites individuals and families to be part of a purposeful movement. Whether you're a competitive runner or a casual participant, your presence helps build a better, brighter future for the next generation.

For event details, visit: Haier Philippines Facebook Page

PH Returns to Biggest Stage for Children’s Books, with Expanded Presence and 120 Titles

Following a successful debut participation at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) in 2024, the Philippines is set to return to the world’s foremost event for children’s books, which will take place from March 31 to April 3, 2025, at the BolognaFiere Exhibition Centre in Italy. The country’s participation will be led by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), with support from thePhilippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY) and the International Board on Books for Young People Philippines (IBBY PH).

Last year marked several milestones for the Philippine book publishing industry. Before its successful presentation at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, the Philippines made waves in the book world with its children’s book sector being selected as the Country of Focus at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content in Singapore. This set the stage for the Philippines’ debut at the BCBF, where the country showcased over 100 children’s books in a dedicated stand.

For 2025, the Philippines is poised to build on last year’s success with an even more robust presence. The delegation will be represented by a talented group of children’s book professionals, including illustrator Fran Alvarez (Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language), authors Faye Villanueva-Chelabian (co-founder of Kawangis Publishing), Liwliwa Malabed (Sampung Eroplano), Ergoe Tinio (Editor-in-Chief of Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development), and MJ Tumamac (co-founder of Aklat Alamid), alongside Eli Camacho (Product Development Manager at Adarna House), Sophia Garduce (Southern Voices Printing Press), and Isa Songco (co-founder of Kwentoon).

“This is another win for our children’s book sector, which is an enduring and vital part of our book industry. If our participation at the BCBF last year was an introduction to our children’s books, this year, we’re expanding our participation with a larger book curation focused on themes that represent the true nature of Philippine children’s stories: progressive, endlessly curious, and consider children as smart, imaginative readers with a great sense of agency,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

This year’s curation will feature 120 titles that explore a variety of themes, including Philippine culture, diversity, environmental awareness, and sense of self and community. This selection of early readers, middle grade, and young adult books features both old and new voices in the Philippine children’s book sector, highlighting the authors and illustrators behind one of the country's most widely read and translated genres.

Additionally, the Philippines will host a range of activities, including an art workshop for children, which will take place at the Philippine Embassy in Rome on March 29, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The event will feature two sessions: Mom’s Best Playdough Activities focusing on Philippine national symbols, and an art workshop by Liza Flores of Ang INK (Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan), encouraging young participants to explore their creativity while learning about Filipino culture. On April 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the Philippine Collective Stand will host a reception, welcoming Ambassador Nathaniel G. Imperial and Consul General Elmer G. Cato, along with other representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Rome and the Philippine Consulate in Milan.

In addition to these, the Philippines is supporting a special Happy Hour event called Drink & Draw with the Philippines, organized by German Stories and the Frankfurter Buchmesse. This gathering will take place on April 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Hall 30, B24-C11.

Since 1964, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair has been the industry-leading fair where professionals working in children’s content from all over the world meet for networking, rights selling, and other opportunities for cross-media adaptation, as well as expand their knowledge in the art of creating children’s books through fora, workshops, exhibits, talks, and other activities. Over 25,000 visitors attend the BCBF every year.

This year, the BCBF will feature 1,500 exhibitors from approximately 90 countries and regions around the world. The Philippine country stand will be located at Hall 29, B24-C23.

For industry professionals looking to attend the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, tickets can be purchased at https://www.bolognachildrensbookfair.com/en/visitors/ticket-online/1131.html

Sterling Bank of Asia Grants Php 370 Million Credit Facility to Skyro

Sterling Bank of Asia and Skyro solidified their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for a ₱370 million credit facility. This strategic collaboration aims to contribute to economic growth and financial inclusivity in the Philippines.

Standing (L to R): SBA Marketing Assistant Ms. Patricia Cabas, SBA Relationship Manager Ms. Jessa Mahinay, Skyro Head of Funding Ms. Victoria Tupaz, and Skyro Treasurer Mr. Vicente Dela Cruz.

Seated (L to R): SBA Senior Vice President Commercial Lending 1 Head Mr. Jose Ison, Jr., SBA Executive Vice President for Commercial Lending Group Head Mr. Benson Hari-Ong, Skyro Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mr. Nasim Aliev and Skyro President Mr. Anthony Co

Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) has granted a Php 370 million credit facility to Skyro, one of the fastest-growing fintech companies specializing in financial lending services. This strategic partnership aims to support Skyro’s expansion and enhance its ability to provide seamless digital lending services to consumers nationwide.

“We are committed to empowering fintech companies like Skyro, which are driving financial inclusion and digital transformation in the Philippines,” said Mr. Jose S. Ison, Jr., Senior Vice President of the Commercial Lending Group of Sterling Bank of Asia. “By extending this credit facility, we reaffirm our confidence in Skyro’s vision and its potential to reshape the financial technology landscape.”

The Php 370 million credit line will enable Skyro to scale its operations, expand its digital lending infrastructure, and strengthen its capabilities. This funding will accelerate Skyro’s mission of providing fast and accessible financial lending solutions to underserved communities.

“We are grateful for the trust and support of Sterling Bank of Asia,” said Mr. Nasim Aliev, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Skyro. “This credit facility will help us drive financial accessibility and continue delivering secure, efficient, and customer-centric digital lending solutions.”

Sterling Bank of Asia remains committed to supporting the growth of the fintech sector by fostering collaborations that drive economic progress and financial inclusivity in the Philippines.

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About Sterling Bank of Asia

Sterling Bank of Asia is a leading thrift bank in the Philippines, dedicated to providing accessible and innovative banking solutions to individuals, SMEs, and corporate clients. With a strong focus on customer service and financial inclusion, Sterling Bank of Asia continues to expand its digital capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the market.

About Skyro

Skyro is a fintech brand launched in the Philippines in August 2022 and backed by Breeze Ventures, a global fintech company based in Singapore. Its Philippine operations are powered by Advanced Finance Solutions, Inc. and Skyro Lending, Inc., registered with the Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Stay cool this summer with Home Credit’s Swakto summer deals

With temperatures soaring and electricity costs rising, staying cool and comfortable this summer has become both a necessity and a challenge for many Filipino households. According to PAGASA, the northeast monsoon (amihan) is coming to an end, bringing even hotter days ahead. In fact, as early as March 3, some areas have already recorded heat indexes reaching 49 degrees Celsius, prompting local governments to suspend face-to-face classes due to the extreme heat.

As temperatures are expected to continue to climb, so does the demand for energy-efficient cooling appliances. However, the rising cost of electricity and the high upfront prices of essential home upgrades remain major concerns. More and more consumers are searching for budget-friendly, practical solutions that will help them stay cool without overspending—making affordability and flexible payment options more important than ever this season.

Summer of Swakto deals

Recognizing these challenges, Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country's leading consumer finance company, provides a solution by offering installment plans that allow consumers to purchase the appliances they need without the burden of hefty upfront costs. This summer, Home Credit launches its Swakto Summer Deals, offering flexible installment plans with as low as 0% interest and zero downpayment on select essential cooling appliances, gadgets, and many more.

From air conditioners, air coolers, refrigerators, and water dispensers to washing machines, mobile phones, computers, TVs and electronics, and furniture, Home Credit makes it easier and more accessible for Filipinos to upgrade their homes with these summer essentials. With flexible payment options available from March 15 until May 14, 2025, families can stay comfortable while managing their household budgets effectively.

“Home Credit’s Swakto Summer Deals is designed to ensure that every Filipino can enjoy a cool and comfortable summer by making essential cooling appliances accessible and affordable through as low as zero downpayment and 0% interest installment plans. With budget-friendly payment terms, we offer flexibility to fit different household needs while maintaining our reputation as a trusted financial partner that provides transparent and secure financing options. Ultimately, our goal is to empower families to create a comfortable and enjoyable home environment for their loved ones,” said Sheila Paul, Chief Marketing Officer of HCPH.

This incredible offer is available at over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores across more than 75 provinces nationwide.

Don’t sweat–Shop smart with Swakto Summer Deals

Summer shouldn’t be a struggle—make the season enjoyable, comfortable, and stress-free with Home Credit’s Swakto Summer Deals. Getting your cooling appliances and summer essentials is now easier than ever. Apply for a product installment with just one valid ID, and if eligible, receive approval in as fast as one minute.

For added convenience, download the Home Credit App today from Google Play or the App Store to get quick and easy pre-approval on product installments. Need assistance? Our friendly Home Credit sales representatives are ready to help at any partner store.

To discover the latest deals and find your desired appliances, gadgets, and furniture at nearby partner stores, you can also visit Shoppingmall.ph. This platform provides a comprehensive overview of Home Credit's Swakto offers, ensuring you find the perfect appliances or gadgets.

To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).