Sun Life Philippines recently announced that its Deputy General Counsel, Atty. Paolo Macapagal, was named one of the Top 8 finalists for In-House Lawyer of the Year for Southeast Asia at the 21st Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards. The prestigious event, held in Singapore, recognized legal excellence across the region.

This distinguished recognition highlights Atty. Macapagal’s outstanding leadership, legal expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the fields of investment and insurance law. His achievement stands as a testament to the strength and caliber of Sun Life Philippines’ in-house legal team.

“We are immensely proud of Atty. Macapagal’s accomplishment,” said Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines. “This recognition not only reflects his individual excellence, but also underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice and corporate integrity.”

The Asian Legal Business Southeast Asia Law Awards is one of the most anticipated events in the legal calendar, celebrating the outstanding performances of private practitioners and in-house teams who have significantly contributed to the legal landscape of the region.

As Sun Life continues to champion integrity in the financial services sector, Atty. Macapagal’s achievement reinforces the company’s position as a leader in corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

To learn more about Sun Life Philippines, visit www.sunlife.com.ph. Stay updated by following @SunLifePH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

For many Filipinos, sending money is more than just a transaction; it’s a lifeline. It supports loved ones, fulfills responsibilities, and keeps connections strong across borders. Whether for tuition, medical expenses, business needs, or daily living costs, the need for dependable international remittance continues to grow. While receiving money from abroad is a common practice, sending money from the Philippines to other countries has long been a challenge. High fees, complex requirements, and limited access often get in the way, whether for a small business owner paying an overseas supplier, a family helping an OFW cover urgent expenses, or a student abroad relying on support from home.

Recognizing these everyday hurdles, the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC), the trusted name behind fast-growing e-wallet PalawanPay and the multi-awarded Palawan Express Pera Padala (PEPP), introduces Pera Padala Abroad. This new service marks a milestone: PalawanPay is now one of the first e-wallets in the Philippines to offer outbound international remittance, allowing users to send money overseas anytime, anywhere, straight from their phones. No long lines. No complicated forms. Just a few taps to support loved ones, wherever they may be in the world.

Send Money Abroad—Anytime, Anywhere

Pera Padala Abroad makes sending money abroad as easy as sending it locally. Through the PalawanPay app, users can send funds overseas directly from their mobile phones. For those who prefer face-to-face transactions, the service is also available at over 3,500 authorized PEPP branches nationwide, ensuring accessibility whether you’re in the city or a province.

With PalawanPay, there’s no need for lengthy paperwork or banking steps. All you need is a verified PalawanPay account, and you’re ready to send. And true to Palawan’s brand promise, it’s “mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos” (affordable, fast, and hassle-free), the same quality of service PGC has proudly delivered for 40 years.

Send to Over 190 Countries with Affordable Rates Starting at Just ₱300

Whether you’re sending to a bank account, an e-wallet, or opting for cash pick-up, Pera Padala Abroad has you covered, with rates starting at just ₱300. With competitive exchange rates, your recipient gets more value. Funds sent in pesos can be converted into the local currency of the destination country or kept in the recipient’s preferred currency, offering flexibility and ease.

Transactions are processed in real time. Once you receive your reference number, the funds are sent instantly, giving both sender and recipient peace of mind. This seamless international service is powered by Ria, a trusted global remittance network serving over 190 countries and with more than 500,000 pick-up locations worldwide.

Tatak Palawan, Walang Kuskos Balungos — Just Safe and Reliable Pera Padala

“At PGC, we’re continuously innovating to meet the real needs of our fellow Filipinos,” said Karlo M. Castro, President and CEO of PGC. “With the launch of Pera Padala Abroad, we’re proud to be one of the first e-wallets in the country to offer outbound remittance, a step forward in making financial services more inclusive. Kahit saang panig ng mundo na may Pinoy, maaari nang makatanggap ng Pera Padala mula sa Pinas (No matter where in the world Filipinos are, they can easily receive money sent from the Philippines).”

Third Librea, CEO of PalawanPay, echoes this sentiment as he remarked: “PalawanPay is proudly gawang Pilipino, para sa Pilipino (Made by Filipinos, for Filipinos). Now, we can further say, para sa Pilipino sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo (For Filipinos in all corners of the world). This is consistent with the Palawan Group’s thrust of championing financial inclusion.”

For four decades, PGC has been one of the most trusted names in Philippine financial services, consistently providing affordable, reliable, and accessible solutions to every Filipino. With the launch of Pera Padala Abroad, PGC is expanding its reach to make financial services even more convenient and affordable across the Philippines and worldwide.

Now, sending money abroad is just as easy as sending it across town. Download the PalawanPay app today, or visit your nearest PEPP branch to start sending abroad.

For more information about Pera Padala Abroad, check your PalawanPay app or visit PalawanPay app website.

The Palawan Group of Companies, one of the leaders in financial services, kicked off the celebration of its 40^th anniversary by honoring its most loyal and dedicated employees.

Recognized as the heroes who laid the foundation of the Palawan Group, individuals who have reached their 20^th, 25^th, and 30^th year of service were celebrated for their contributions and their commitment to upholding husay na Tatak Palawan at serbisyong Pusong Palawan all these years. Awardees and their families were flown to the company’s headquarters in Puerto Princesa City and were given a much-deserved red carpet treatment.

The heartfelt ceremony, dubbed as ‘Gintong Lingkod Awards’, was attended by the company’s founders, leaders, and partners. It was intended to honor the awardees not only for their role in the growth of the business but also for living out the Palawan Group’s core values of humility and service.

In her welcome remarks, Palawan Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Korina Castro-Fernando, thanked the awardees for being “the founding ates and kuyas, ‘nangs and ‘nongs (big sisters and brothers) who lived out the Kulturang Palawan of integrity and sincere service – to sukis and to co-associates” as she emphasized that it is this culture that serves as the solid foundation that led the company to where it is today. She also reiterated her appreciation, on behalf of the Castro family, of the awardees’ faith in the company as it evolved from a single pawnshop in Puerto Princesa City to a globally recognized financial services provider known for its serbisyong Matataag, Maaasahan, at Mapagkakatiwalaan (enduring, dependable, trustworthy).

This appreciation was echoed by co-founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro, who remarked, “our awardees are not just witnesses to our history – they helped build it.” She further expressed, “kami man [ni Sir Bobby] ang nagsimula, hindi tayo aabot sa 40 years at sa tagumpay na tinatamasa natin ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyo, sa inyong sipag, at sa inyong pagmamahal sa ating kompanya. Salamat, maraming salamat sa inyo.”

Select awardees delivered speeches – personal accounts of how being part of the Palawan Group impacted their lives – which earned a harmony of laughter, tears, and cheers from the audience.

Flora Mae Salarzon, a 25-year service awardee, remarked, “If I weren’t well-compensated, I would’ve left a long time ago. But when I say ‘compensated’, I don’t just mean in terms of salary. At Palawan, we are enriched mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. The company takes care of us as people—not just as employees. We are trained, guided, and equipped not just for work, but for life. [Our mentors in Palawan] help us grow as professionals, as parents, as members of the community. We learn how to balance our careers with our responsibilities at home, and how to prepare for our future. That kind of support is rare, and I’m truly grateful.”

Another 25-year service awardee, Ma. Criselda Emnace, emphasized how genuinely “malasakit” (care) to our Sukis served as the glue that holds the business together. She shared, “My job felt less like a job but more like a purpose. I discovered more profoundly that the key business acumen in a business like ours is Customer Love. I do my best to extend my services to customers the best way I know how.”

Each awardee received a 24K Palawan Gold coin as a token of appreciation. They were each called to the stage, accompanied by a loved one to receive the token, and received a warm embrace from the company’s leaders. Many also shared their personal journeys with the company, offering reflections that were both inspiring and moving.

The Gintong Lingkod awards is part of the Palawan Group of Companies’ efforts to nurture a workplace where employees are valued, empowered, and celebrated. It reflects the company’s commitment to upholding Tatak Palawan – the spirit of bayanihan and service.

The most-awaited premier B2B beauty trade show in the Philippines is opening its doors from June 4 to 6, 2025 at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City. Cosmobeauté Philippines 2025, powered by Cosmoprof Asia, is a B2B event that encompasses the beauty, wellness, and personal care industries.

“The journey towards Cosmobeauté Philippines 2025 is an interesting and empowering one,” said Rungphech ‘Rose’ Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Philippines, the organizer of the annual Cosmobeauté Philippines. “This edition holds importance as it sets the latest trend and standard in events focused on skincare and cosmetics in the country. Cosmobeauté Philippines also kicks off the series of Cosmobeauté trade shows across Southeast Asia—in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam in July and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Jakarta, Indonesia in October.

Aside from showcasing the latest innovations, trends, and products in the beauty industry from 250 exhibiting brands and companies, Cosmobeauté Philippines is featuring the most engaging programs, conferences, and seminars designed to share new knowledge and insights.

One of the significant activities in the Cosmobeauté Philippines 2025 is the 17th Asian Societies of Cosmetics Scientists (ASCS) Conference, set on Day 1 and Day 2. The summit is gathering some of the most reputable cosmetic chemists in the country and from across Asia. Among the most interesting topics are AI and its Impact on the Personal Care Industry, Cosmetics Acne in the Skin of Diverse Color Filipinos, Global Regulatory Science Trends in Cosmetics, and Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.

Industry Seminars are scheduled to impart updated and new knowledge about cosmetics and skincare. The Seminar Room will be filled by participants and guests who are interested in pressing subjects like Cosmo in the Age of Beauty and Algorithms, Trending Skincare Ingredients, Salon and Wellness in Digital World, and Secretome Extract from Human Stem Cells.

The Makeup Box, which is mounted at the Main Stage Lobby is serving as an ideal venue for skincare and makeup tutorials and live demonstrations, featuring the latest trends and technology in the industry. Among the most-awaited sessions are Office Makeup to Glam Look, How to Lift Hooded Eyes (No Needles Needed), Color Correcting & Matching Masterclass, Bridal Skin Prep Masterclass, and Holistic and Zen Skincare with Pure Culture.

Finally, makeup competitions are set from Day 1 to Day 3, setting Cosmobeauté Philippines 2025 apart from all other trade shows across all industries. Eco-chic: Ultimate Artistic Hair and Makeup Showdown is scheduled on Day 1, while Bridal Makeup Competition happens on Day 2. On the last day of the event, the Professional Aestheticians Association of the Philippines will hold the Beautelympics, or the competition for microblading and nail extensions which will feature industry expert judges.

The kick-off of Cosmobeauté Philippines is of high importance as it is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry and some of the prominent and most reputable industry partners for the beauty sector such as the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines, Inc., Philippine Society for Cosmetic Science, Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines, Professional Aestheticians Association of the Philippines, Pinay Girl Boss, IBITA, PARLON, GS1 Philippines, and the Association of Local Artisans, Food and Other Producers of the Philippines.

Aside from the exhibition, there are more exciting activities and giveaways to be given away to the visitors. To add to the excitement, Cosmobeauté Philippines is rolling out the #B2BeautePh Photo Contest. All participants are invited to take a photo at the event and to post it on social media using the hashtags #cosmobeauteph and #B2BeautePh to win exciting prizes.

Cosmobeauté Philippines is organized by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate, and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience, and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services, and actionable data solutions. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

For more information, please contact the organisers:

Ms. Jomia Pagkatotohan

Senior Marketing Executive

Tel. no.: +63 2 8581 1917

Email address: jomia.pagkatotohan@informa.com