BPI makes banking easier for communities with BPI On-The-Move program

As the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) marks its 175th year, BPI continues to advance its commitment of building a better Philippines by making financial services more accessible, relevant, and embedded in everyday life, especially for underserved and unbanked Filipinos.

[Center] BPI’s Head of Consumer Segments Marketing Geraldine “Gerrie” Alcuaz and Head of Consumer Banking Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, with Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Head of Partnerships Unit Huber Brocales, champion inclusive banking as BPI OnTheMove brings essential financial services to  Naga City residents.

 

Central to this commitment is BPI’s financial inclusion program anchored on BPI On-The-Move, a mobile platform designed to bring essential financial services directly to communities.

The sustainably made, fully equipped mobile banking unit —a dedicated bus— launched in Naga City on January 26 serves as a one-stop financial hub, allowing individuals and small business owners to conveniently access BPI services on-site, including opening of digital and regular savings accounts, registration to BPI’s e-wallet VYBE, and application to various cards, insurance, and loan products.

“Our BPI On-The-Move bus is a one-stop shop for all these needs. We’ve simplified the processes and lowered the barriers so that you can begin your financial journey with total confidence,” said Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, Head of Consumer Banking, BPI.

As part of its broader inclusion efforts, BPI, through microfinance arm BanKo, is also conducting financial wellness sessions for Naga City local government unit (LGU) employees, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge for effective money management.

BPI On-The-Move makes its first stop in Naga City, Camarines Sur, bringing accessible and on-ground financial services to more communities. 

Aligned with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) financial inclusion framework, BPI On-The-Move focuses on empowering both the underserved—those whose financial needs are not fully met despite having access to banking—and the unbanked, who remain outside the formal financial system. 

“I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mayor Leni Robredo, our esteemed LGU officials, and the hardworking employees of the Naga City government. You are at the front lines of community service, and we recognize that your leadership is the key to our shared aspiration: making lives better through genuine economic progress,” said Go. 

This 2026, BPI will continue to partner with more LGUs and communities, forging stronger local partnerships to scale targeted financial education programs, and increased on-ground engagement nationwide.

“Ultimately, everything we do is driven by BPI’s vision of Building a Better Philippines, one family and one community at a time,” Go added.

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Cebu Pacific Boosts Naga Connectivity with Direct Flights to Clark

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, strengthens its connectivity from Naga as it launches a new route that directly connects the city to Clark, giving Bicolano travelers more accessible and affordable options to explore various domestic and international destinations.

Starting October 26, CEB will operate flights between Naga and Clark 4x weekly, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. These are on top of the daily flights that CEB operates between Naga and Manila.

CRK Airpot Image from clarkinternationalairport.com

 

“Cebu Pacific’s direct flights between Naga and Clark open new doors for tourism and trade in central Luzon and Bicol region. This route not only makes it easier for Bicolanos to explore more of the Philippines and travel abroad, but it also helps bring more visitors into Naga, fueling local businesses and supporting our goal of making air travel accessible to every Juan,” said Carmina

Romero, CEB Director for Corporate Communications.

 

Nestled between Pampanga and Tarlac, Clark stands as the tourism and economic hub of Central Luzon, celebrated for its lush landscapes, storied past, and world-class cuisine. It’s also a vital gateway to the Philippines and beyond, with the Clark International Airport linking travelers to top destinations across the country and Asia.

 

With direct flights to Clark, travelers from Naga can now connect seamlessly to 16 of CEB’s domestic destinations. Bask in the white-sand beauty of Boracay and Puerto Princesa, explore the island wonders of El Nido, or savor the rich flavors of Iloilo and Davao—all just within two hours away from Clark.

 

For those seeking new adventures abroad, travelers from Naga may connect to four international destinations from Clark. Experience the vibrant city life and cultural fusion of Tokyo, indulge in world-class shopping and dining in Hong Kong, enjoy the modern attractions and culinary delights of Singapore, or immerse yourself in the rich heritage and lively street scenes of Bangkok.

 

To encourage travel, CEB is rolling out a seat sale from October 16 to 31 where passengers can book their flights to all domestic destinations for as low as PHP 99 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period is from October 16, 2025 to March 31, 2026, perfect for immediate travel needs as well as planned vacations for next year.

 

Passengers are encouraged to add Go Flexi when booking, which lets them cancel and convert their flight into a non-expiring Travel Fund. The bundle also includes a 20kg checked baggage

allowance and a Standard Seat of their choice.

 

CEB offers various payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets, to book flights and buy add-ons.

 

CEB operates in 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia,

and the Middle East.

 

Book your flights at www.cebupacificair.com.

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BDO supports Peñafrancia pilgrims in Naga

BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) recently joined the faithful in Naga City during the September celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival, extending a simple gesture of care by providing free umbrellas to pilgrims as they took part in the annual devotion.

“Peñafrancia is about faith, family, and community. We are honored to stand with the Church and local volunteers to help keep devotees—especially seniors and children—safer and more comfortable on their journey,” said Genie T. Gloria, Senior Vice President and Head of Remittance, Transaction Banking at BDO. “As many Bicolano families have loved ones working overseas, this is also our way of saying salamatand affirming that we’re with you—rain or shine.”

BDO is with you—rain or shine. BDO recently joined the faithful in Naga City by extending a simple gesture of care and gave free umbrellas to Peñafrancia pilgrims. The umbrellas embodied BDO’s Alagang Kabayan commitment, and provided devotees with protection from both sun and rain, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: their devotion to “Ina” and the shared spirit of community that defines the Peñafrancia Festival.

 

September often brings rain to Naga, adding both beauty and challenge to the Traslación and fluvial processions, where thousands walk shoulder to shoulder in devotion. By distributing umbrellas during these major events, BDO hopes to provide pilgrims with protection from both sun and rain, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: their devotion and the shared spirit of community that defines the Peñafrancia Festival.

 

 

 

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Run For Wellness 2025: Unleashing Greatness beyond the finish line

Run for Wellness 2025: Unleashing Greatness beyond the finish line.

Largest runner turnout of the Run For Wellness fun run by Southstar Drug and Maxicare

Running, more than a physical activity, is a pursuit of something greater: a healthier body and mind, a community, a sense of fulfillment or perhaps, overcoming a personal challenge. And in the process, it also provides valuable lessons that can be applied in your everyday life to unleash greatness such as taking better care of your body, recognizing big and small achievements, and going beyond your perceived limits.

This is the central theme of this year’s edition of Run For Wellness, an annual running event organized by Southstar Drug and Maxicare that encourages participants to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle through running.

Run For Wellness 2025 celebrated a vibrant running community across two legs, welcoming beginners, seasoned runners, families, barkadas, running clubs, and fitness enthusiasts. The first leg, held on July 22 at UP Diliman, Quezon City, saw over 9,000 participants, while the second leg held last September 14 in Naga City had 2,713 participants joining the 3K, 5K, and 10K categories.

This combined effort resulted in 11,902 total participants, marking the largest runner turnout for a Run For Wellness series to date.

Continuing their advocacy as champions of health and wellness, Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation donated Php 50,000 to Naga City’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office that was received by Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo during the awarding ceremony of Run For

Wellness Naga.

[From left to right: Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. Chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. President and CEO Stanley Co]

“The record-high turnout of participants in this year’s Run For Wellness shows how more people are prioritizing their overall health and well-being by integrating running and exercise in their life. Aside from unleashing greatness, this is also our way of encouraging Filipinos to take the first step towards a better version of themselves and develop healthier habits in the long run,” said “On top of providing the finest healthcare services, Maxicare supports Filipinos in their journey towards their best life through events like Run For Wellness, reaffirming our commitment to enabling a healthier future,” said Raymond Hernandez, Maxicare Chief Customer Officer. Unleashing greatness continues beyond the finish line. Run For Wellness is just the starting point, a catalyst when it comes to prioritizing one’s overall health and well-being. Take all the valuable lessons running has taught you—the rest of the journey is yours to take!

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#NCDfoodtrip 2025: New Menu of Grissini Ristorante that even we locals should try!

#NCDFoodtrip There are times when we Bicolanos treat laing or Bicol Express very ordinarily and we don’t order them anymore when dining out. Guilty? But here comes 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗶 Ristorante offering a fusion of Bicol and Italy cuisine in their menu. This time, for us locals, MAKE SURE you order these from Grissini because they are extraordinarily crafted.

While Naga being a Pilgrim City and a food destination,  we can definitely boasts Bicolano Chefs like that of Grissini for coming up with these fusion. So pwedeng pwede nindo sinda darahon digdi.

My Personal faves: 

❣ Pili Rigatoni - the crunchy topping was what really amazed me, I had to ask what it was made of to the extend na akala ko orange peel hahaha kasi tangy siya and bagay na maray. It was different, but it was different gooood! Assignment ko na po saindo to ask them what is it made of. Genius!

Pili Rigatoni

❣Pili & Caramelized Onion Pizza

I never imagine that I will love the onion on this pizza. Caramelized onion and to the point that it matches again with the roasted Pili nuts tapos iibahan mo pa kang si honey chili syrup. 

Pili & Caramelized Onion

❣Laing Ravioli was perfect! Im not exagerrating here, only that I was happy for laing to be given another kind of twist and sakto lang siya na dai ka mauumay. 

Laing Ravioli

✓Bicol Express Pasta - go for this if fave mo ang Bicol Express

✓Laing Pili Pizza - was also good. What made it exciting was of course the chilly olive oil. 

Tell me which one’s your fave 

Don't forget your Fresh Juice Drinks and yummy desserts!

Grissini Ristorante

Cereza Compound, Magsaysay Ave, Naga City

#GrissiniRistorante #nagacitydeck #Peñafrancia2025 #NagaCity #NagaCityTourism #PeñafranciaFestival

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A smile-worthy success, thanks to the right bank partner

Dentist transforms dental care in Albay through BDO multipurpose loan

 

In the scenic city of Legazpi, Albay, a six-month visit in 1998 turned into a lifelong mission for Dr. Edgar Salvosa, Jr. Born into a family of dentists, Dr. Salvosa arrived in Bicol with limited expectations. But the warmth of the Bicolanos and a nearby bank partner changed everything. 

 

Recognizing the community's need for dental care, Dr. Salvosa opened a small clinic with just one dental chair. As his practice flourished, so did his relationship with his trusted bank, BDO Unibank. That bond proved instrumental to his growth and success. 

 

"The people behind the BDO branch made all the difference," he shared. From savings accounts to investments and home loans, the Bank was there every step of the way.

A lasting partnership. Dr. Edgar Salvosa found steadfast support in Bicolanos and his bank partner in BDO

through the years. 

 

When the time came to expand, Dr. Salvosa sought guidance from his branch manager, James Verdida. He revisited a long-unused property and applied for a BDO Multipurpose Loan to build a new clinic and commercial spaces. "James walked me through the business and the return on my investment. The land was just sitting there. After our talk, I knew it was time I used it,” he recalled.

 

Grateful for the community’s kindness and support, Dr. Salvosa has committed to giving back. He invested in cutting-edge equipment to offer the best dental care to his patients.

 

To this day, Dr. Salvosa speaks highly of his bank partner. “BDO is always there for me, even beyond banking hours,” he remarked. “Its commitment to client care is something I always share with others.” For him, BDO isn't just a bank—it's a true partner in building dreams.

 

As Dr. Salvosa continues to brighten smiles, his story is a testament to what’s possible when community and collaboration come together. To discover how you can build your legacy, visit your nearest BDO branch or explore www.bdo.com.ph today.

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BDO Fiesta celebrates loyalty of clients across generations

Long-time clients join BDO Fiesta in Bicolandia and affirm choice of bank partner

Kun tama an saimong katuwang na bangko maheheling mo an pagtalubo kan saimong mga pangaturogan sa pag agi kan panahon. Ini an katotohanan para sa mga pamilya kan haloyon nang kliyente ninda, Atty Sylki Balagtas asin Emily Yao. 

 

(When you have the right bank partner, you can watch your dreams become reality through generations.  This is certainly true for the families of long-time clients Atty. Sylki Balagtas and Emily Yao.) 

 

They came to lend their support to the first-ever BDO Fiesta held in the Bicol region.  Organized by the country’s leading bank, BDO Fiesta is a fun and engaging venue for clients and prospects to discover its wide range of products and services, as well as access financial tools and opportunities to grow their money and expand their businesses.  

 

Finding ways to welcome Balikbayans home

 

For over a decade, Atty. Balagtas, her husband, and more recently, their only son have been loyal customers of BDO.  “When we arrived from the States in 2014, BDO was the only bank that immediately helped us open bank accounts and build a credit history,” Atty. Balagtas recalled. 

 

From a savings account, they applied for an auto loan, then a home loan when they finally decided to make the Philippines their home for good. Over time, they added another auto loan and expanded their portfolio to include credit cards and insurance products.  

 

Beyond their personal banking needs, Atty. Balagtas also put her trust in BDO for her law practice in Legazpi City.  “My clients pay their fees to my BDO account, and I also transfer the salaries of my employees to their online BDO accounts.”  

“We’re frequent visitors to the branch, coming 2 to 3 times a week.  I also use the digital services ever since BDO started it.  Ang dami n’yo pang bago ngayon, it’s so cool. It’s easy for me to track my financial records.  BDO really helped us when we first came to the Philippines and everytime we need something, they would find ways and we feel well taken care of.”

BDO helped us build our home.  Balikbayan Atty. Sylki Balagtas is grateful for BDO helping them settle in the Philippines by financing their family home when they first arrived from the United States.  

Nurturing the next generation 

 

Emily Yao’s family are also generational clients and frequent visitors to their BDO branch.  She and her husband run a growing business that counts BDO as their trusted bank partner.  As their suppliers are also BDO clients, they transact heavily with the bank and are very happy with the personalized service.

 

During a visit to the branch, Emily was with her daughter Johana and a friendly teller invited her to open a Junior Savers account.  Johana gladly accepted as she is quite entrepreneurial, starting her own crafts and accessories business at just 6 years old.  Now at 8, her Junior Savers holds her business earnings plus cash gifts from family members and godparents.  

 

“I highly recommend for parents to open a Junior Savers account for their children.  Not only do they start saving at a young age, but they also learn the value of money and become sensitive to spending wisely,” shared mommy Emily.

At the BDO Fiesta, there were many more clients like Atty. Balagtas and Emily and Johana Yao, who are fulfilling their dreams one by one with the right bank partner.

Alden Richards with big fan Johana Yao.  At the recently-held BDO Fiesta at SM City Legazpi, Junior Savers client Johana Yao realized another wish – meeting her idol Alden Richards.

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montemart, Your Food Service Supply Partner in Naga and CamSur

 LOOK!! Para po ini sa may negosyo o balak mag negosyo!

Minsan maray man para lakawlakaw sa centro. Para ma update kita kang mga available tang suppliers. Akala ko ground floor lang, 2 FLOORS palan! Akala ko puro lng pang cafe supplies, dai palan. Ang montemart ay para sa may mga negosyo sadit o dakula man. One stop shop, all you need to do is ask.

LOCATION: Princeton Bldg.

J. Hernandez Avenue, Naga City

0954 285 7836

Email: montemartfs@gmail.com

Pero actually kahit ngani mga supplies man sa harong puwedeng puwede kasi pwede ang mga tingi-tingi tapos nahiling ko may pang party needs din.

𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 is a 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 designed to cater the needs of 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨, 𝙘𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙨, 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨, 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 BIG or SMALL. Puwedeng 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘.

Dai masupog mag hapot sa mga staff, igguide po kamo sa store and iaassist talaga ang customer. May carts din para convenient.

What they have: (actually dakulon, sari sari sana)

𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Oil, butter & fats, vinegar, sauces, spices and seasonings, rice, dressing and dip, ketchup & hot sauce, cheese, ready mix powder, sugar, pasta & noodles, snacks & sides, nuts, frozen goods, tools & packaging, machines)

𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Flour, Powders & leavening agents, chocolate compound/bar, paste, food coloring, flavors & extracts, fondant, canned milk, whipping cream, cocoa powder, glucose, toppings, jams & fillings, marshmallows, cream cheese, cake boxes, pizza box, cake board & drum, baking pans, baking tools & utensils)

𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 (Frappe/Milktea Powders, Syrup Sweeteners, Scramble Powder, Sinkers, coffee beans and tea, fresh milk, sauces, toppings, fillings & mix in, milk & creamers, tools and equipments

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲? Lalo na if dai makaka bisita sainda.

1. Message their FB Page montemart

2. Provide: Your Name and Contact Number

3. All orders are for Pick-Up only at Montemart itself

4. You may also book your own rider

𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Cash, Gcash or Bank Transfer

Order will be confirmed based on product availability and total amount before pick-up

FREE DELIVERY for orders worth ₱20,000 and up within Naga City only.

P.S. Prices may change without prior notice. PM Na sana po ki montemart for specific prices.

#montemart #montemartnaga #nagacitydeck #NCDfoodtrip

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