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Love the long weekend break? Cybercriminals do, too

April 4, 2023 5:11 p.m.

There are 18 official public holidays in the Philippines. As we all know, when these dates fall close to a weekend or if the government pursues holiday economics, most Filipinos make plans in advance to take advantage of extended holiday breaks. This year, we can get to do that at least 12 times. 

Unfortunately, cybercriminals get excited about holidays, too. To refresh everyone’s memory, the $81-million Bangladesh Bank heist back in 2016 is an example of a successful cyber attack, which happened on the first day of Lunar New Year, a national holiday in the Philippines and the rest of Asia.

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Kaspersky shares 9 tips to keep protected when you’re away on a holiday 

“Now that the world has reopened, travel is back with a vengeance this year, hence the term ‘travel revenge’. Whether Filipinos are scheduling holiday trips or just staycation-ing during the long weekends, it’s important to observe simple digital security practices so you can get to sit back and relax as you take your well-deserved vacation. Security-first thinking opens doors for a more enjoyable holiday break, especially for Filipinos who are amongst the world’s most active online users,” comments Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

Both individuals and companies are advised to be extra mindful of personal cybersecurity best practices and internet hygiene when on a holiday.

For companies, Kaspersky suggests to:

  1. Conduct drills
  • Stress to vacationing employees why data encryption, two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and locking devices when not in use are important.
  • Discuss the steps to take if their device ends up getting stolen.
  • Advise staff about charging smartphones in a wall socket, not through USBs at airports and other public places (these can be used to steal data from a device and infect it with malicious software, such as spyware.
  • Educate employees about the dangers of public WIFI (and even hotel WIFI unless it is encrypted and password-protected) and how to use a secure connection such as with a VPN.
  1. Log out
  • Terminate unnecessary VPN connections to the corporate infrastructure.
  • End unnecessary sessions that employees have left on any devices for an extended period of time. This also applies to corporate messengers, web apps and any other services. 
  • Check that the list of employees with access to the corporate network via VPN or RDP include only authorized users. Revoke access from those who don’t need it. 
  • Create special “emergency” admin accounts for potential incident response over the holidays. The rights granted to regular admin accounts can even be temporarily restricted so that attackers cannot exploit them.
  1. Install patches for all key applications. This process is far simpler if your company uses security solutions with a built-in patch management system.

Meanwhile, Kaspersky encourages individuals to:

  1. Only browse trusted apps and websites and be careful about personal information you input like credit card numbers or home address. 
  2. Do not click on links or open email attachments from travel sites when receiving confirmations. Trusted companies include such letters in the bodies of their emails. Malware is often disguised as an attached confirmation letter. 
  3. Bring two or three or more credit or debit cards to have a backup plan in case of loss or needing to cancel one.
  4. Never leave valuables unattended. Put large amounts of cash and mobile devices or laptops in the hotel safe. 
  5. Use a credit card as most have built-in protections against fraud. There is no protection against a scammer if you send them cash or even check or debit card payment in some cases. A money transfer service is not advisable. 
  6. Ensure their devices has security software installed, ideally with anti-theft technology. 

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Puregold marks 28 years of retail growth, gives back to loyal customers 

8:46 a.m. September 14, 2026

Marking 28 years of sustained retail growth and market leadership, leading supermarket chain Puregold Price Club Inc. is launching a grand anniversary celebration this September, giving away exciting rewards designed to make every loyal customer feel valued. 

Puregold’s anniversary celebration rollout comes as it marks a 3.7-percent year-on-year sales growth in the first half of the year on the back of higher shopper spending.  

Giving its customers the “Always Panalo” experience, Puregold will hold anniversary promos and events from September 25 to December 5, including a grand raffle, giveaways, immersive in-store brand experiences, and a barangay roadshow that promises to bring the party to communities across the country.

Perks and Prizes 

Now on its second year, “Puregold’s Nasa Resibo Ang Panalo” nationwide raffle will turn every Puregold visit into a chance to win life-changing prizes, from free groceries and home appliances to up to P280,000 in cash for each winner. 

To participate, Puregold Perks and Aling Puring members just need to make a minimum purchase of P2,000, with at least P300 worth of participating items. Up to 50 winners will be drawn every two weeks across 328 participating stores.  

Participating brands will dress up store aisles and will be tagged in the shelves as cue for shoppers to get items that will qualify them for the raffle.

Puregold customers across 212 stores can also join the “Panalong Pabigas Raffle Promo.” To enter, shoppers need a minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,000, which must include at least P200 worth of participating items. The promo features weekly draws awarding 25-kilo sacks of rice to five winners per store, culminating in a grand draw where 30 winners will take home P28,000 each.

Puregold is also bringing the celebration to communities across the country through “Barangay Panalo, Sari-Saring Papremyo,” sharing rewards to neighborhoods near its stores. 

In Puregold’s barangayan, local residents can take part in on-ground games, enjoy live entertainment, sample products from Puregold’s partner brands, and win various prizes. 

This year’s anniversary celebration culminates with the Luneta edition of Puregold’s famed Hakot Relay Run, a fun run that comes with a grocery grab challenge. Participants are in for massive loot bags and viral moments. 

Hakot Relay Run will be held on December 5, 2026 eat Burnham Green in Rizal Park, Manila. 

“As we celebrate our 28th anniversary, we remain focused on strengthening our connection with Filipino families. From community celebrations and raffle draws to a fun run, these initiatives reflect our gratitude to the customers who continue to make Puregold their trusted supermarket,” said Puregold President Vincent Co.

Stay tuned for updates on the official Puregold Facebook page or drop by the nearest Puregold branch for more info. #

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BFAR co-hosts SAFET 2026 as 370 delegates from 28 countries convene in Cebu

7:20 a.m. September 10, 2026

More than 370 delegates from 28 countries have converged in Cebu for the three-day Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies Conference, or SAFET 2026.

The conference, which runs from September 8 to 10 at Shangri-La Mactan, is co-hosted by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), in partnership with international organizations.

SAFET 2026 focuses on emerging technologies that could help improve fisheries management, protect marine resources, and strengthen the livelihoods of fisherfolk and fishing communities.

More than 75 speakers are sharing insights on fisheries, marine conservation, technology, and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.

One of the major topics being discussed is electronic monitoring, which uses cameras, sensors, and other digital tools to track fishing vessel activities and improve the collection of fisheries data.

Inga Wise, Executive Director of Seafood and Fisheries Emerging Technologies (SAFET), highlighted the potential of electronic monitoring in improving fisheries monitoring and management.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is also being explored as a tool to monitor fishing activities and help detect possible illegal operations at sea.

The BFAR is also showcasing digital platforms, including the Electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability System (eCDTS) and the Vessel Monitoring System, which can help authorities trace fish from their source at sea through the supply chain and eventually to the market.

The conference is also addressing the effects of climate change on fishers and coastal communities, including ways to strengthen the livelihoods of small-scale fishers and help fisherfolk adapt to changing marine conditions.

The DA-BFAR Assistant Director for Technical Services Isidro M. Velayo Jr. said the agency is working to strengthen its support for fisherfolk through improved programs and technology.

However, one of the major challenges is ensuring that emerging technologies are affordable and accessible to fishing communities, particularly because many of these systems can be costly and technically complex.

Government leaders also stressed the need to ensure that technologies introduced through pilot projects eventually become practical tools that fishers can use in their day-to-day operations.

BFAR Region 7 Regional Director Mario Ruinata said SAFET 2026 is particularly significant for Central Visayas, where many communities depend on fishing for their livelihood.

He said an important consideration is determining how and when technologies such as electronic monitoring, AI, satellite systems, and digital platforms can be introduced to local fishing communities.

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Mobile Legends: Bang Bang goes ALL IN to celebrate 10 years of growing with its players

7:29 p.m. September 4, 2026

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) today launches ALL IN MLBB, its global 10th Anniversary campaign honouring the players and communities that have shaped its growth and globalisation. The campaign will unfold through anniversary activities, rewards, and the MLBB Birthday Party, bringing players together offline with the game’s developers.

For 10 years, MLBB and its players have grown and changed together, building identities, connections and a shared future. From school years to working life, and from a first main hero to a trusted squad, MLBB has become part of millions of personal stories. ALL IN MLBB celebrates those memories while inviting players to shape the game’s next chapter together.

Today, MLBB reaches more than 1.5 billion installations and 110 million monthly active users across more than 80 countries. Its expansion has paired an accessible, free-to-play mobile experience with hyperlocal publishing, allowing local creators and communities to shape campaigns around each market.

Annual campaigns such as Golden Month bring players together through locally relevant creator content and community activities centred on the spirit of giving. ALLSTAR reimagines the in-game experience each year. From entertainment crossovers with NARUTO and THE KING OF FIGHTERS to partnerships spanning Neymar Jr, ITZY, Jollibee, Visa, and Chow Tai Fook, MLBB has connected with players through global fandoms, sport, music, and everyday consumer experiences.

Over the decade, MLBB’s player-first publishing approach has also extended its universe into new genres. Mobile Legends: Adventure (MLA) and Magic Chess: Go Go (MCGG) give fans new ways to engage with familiar heroes beyond the traditional 5v5 format.

Roger Yu, Producer of MLBB at MOONTON Games, said: “MLBB’s first decade demonstrates that global scale and local relevance can reinforce each other. We have kept the core game accessible while investing in creators, cultural moments, and partnerships that give communities a role in shaping the brand. This approach has enabled MLBB to grow beyond a single title into a broader entertainment ecosystem. ALL IN MLBB recognises the players who made that growth possible and reaffirms that they will remain central to our next decade.”

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