Casino Plus Drives Digital Media Innovation with Multi-Week Vertical Drama 'Bathala’

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 13 JULY 2026 — Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), continues to lead innovation as it debuts Bathala, a premium vertical short-form drama series based on one of its leading games of the same name.

The first episode, launched on July 9, 2026, already has nearly 80,000 views on social media, positioning the gaming platform at the forefront of the region's digital media evolution. Casino Plus also converted the traditional Filipino teleserye (television soap opera) format into the trend of AI micro-content built specifically for mobile-first consumers.

Following its initial premiere, the platform confirmed that Bathala will execute a continuous three-week broadcast run throughout July 2026. This fast-paced digital rollout features a second installment this week and a final sequel chapter dropping in consecutive weeks, ensuring a highly engaged audience throughout the month.

The series modernizes ancient Tagalog mythology, following the reincarnation of the Moon Goddess Mayari. In a narrative twist that connects traditional folklore with modern digital ecosystems, the plot follows her journey to adapt the supreme deity Bathala's legendary "Great Formation" into a digital game format.

For decades, teleseryes or telenovelas dominated primetime Filipino households. However, shifting consumer habits and rapid mobile penetration have driven a massive migration toward ultra-short, premium vertical video. Audiences now demand high-quality storytelling accessible directly on their smartphones.

With the digital series launch, Casino Plus bridges the gap between cultural storytelling and digital entertainment, creating a new commercial model for regional content deployment.

"The local entertainment market is evolving rapidly from long-form television toward premium, short-form vertical reels," said Evan Spytma, CEO of Casino Plus. "With Bathala, we are driving this transition by pairing cinema-grade production with mobile-first distribution. This approach delivers culturally relevant storytelling that aligns with how modern audiences consume media."

The digital series features actors Zonia Mejia as Mayari, Gary Guarino as Dumangan, and Lea Macapagal as one of the deities. 

The next episode will drop on Thursday, July 16.  

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Gyukatsu まつ村 Expands to BGC After Building a Loyal Following in Boracay

Gyukatsu まつ村, the Boracay-based Japanese restaurant known for its premium deep-fried beef cutlet, is expanding to BGC's Park Triangle Mall. The move follows years of demand from Manila-based customers who discovered the brand during trips to Boracay.

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines. Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay is opening its second restaurant, Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC, at Park Triangle Mall this September. The expansion marks the second restaurant under Ikigai International Restaurant OPC, the company behind the Boracay-based Japanese dining concept.

According to founder Kevin Tan, the decision to open in Bonifacio Global City was driven by consistent demand from Manila-based diners rather than a broader expansion strategy.

“We kept hearing the same question from guests: ‘When are you coming to Manila?’” Tan said. "It eventually became something we felt we had to answer."

Since opening in Boracay, Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay has built a loyal following among tourists and local diners, many of whom first discovered the restaurant while visiting the island before continuing to follow the brand online.

Gyukatsu is a lightly breaded, deep-fried beef cutlet served rare to medium-rare, with each slice finished to the diner's preference on a hot stone at the table. While pork tonkatsu is well established in the Philippines through restaurants specializing in tonkatsu are common in the Philippines, but restaurants dedicated to gyukatsu remain relatively uncommon, making Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay one of the few dedicated concepts of its kind in the country.

According to Ikigai International Restaurant OPC much of the restaurant’s growth has been driven by customer recommendations and user-generated content shared on social media rather than traditional advertising. Data from more than 10,000 guest responses collected through digital and in-store surveys over the past two years shows that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are the primary channels through which new diners discover Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay.

Ikigai International Restaurant OPC selected Park Triangle Mall for its mix of office workers, residents and visitors, an audience the company considers comparable to the diverse customer base that supported the Boracay restaurant.

Recruitment for Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC has been completed, with management and restaurant teams preparing for an opening scheduled for early September 2026.A 

"Boracay allowed us to build something people genuinely connected with," Tan said. "We're glad to bring that same experience to guests in Metro Manila."

Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC is scheduled to open at Park Triangle Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, in early September 2026.

About Gyukatsu BGC

Ikigai International Restaurant OPC is a Philippine-based restaurant company founded by entrepreneur Kevin Tan. The company operates Gyukatsu まつ村 Boracay and will open Gyukatsu まつ村 BGC in Bonifacio Global City in September 2026. Its name is inspired by the Japanese concept of ikigai, which refers to living with purpose.

Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange Empowers OFWs to Maximize Hard-Earned Earnings

 Every remittance sent by an overseas Filipino worker represents countless hours of hard work, personal sacrifice, and time spent away from loved ones. While these earnings help cover daily expenses, fund education, and support long-term goals, the value families ultimately receive can be influenced by how and where foreign currency is exchanged.

Recognizing the importance of maximizing every remittance, Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange helps OFWs and their families get more from their hard-earned foreign currency through favorable exchange rates, convenient access via its extensive nationwide network, and digital solutions that make foreign exchange more accessible. As a BSP-regulated financial institution, Cebuana Lhuillier also provides a secure and reliable environment for foreign exchange transactions, giving customers greater confidence and peace of mind.

"OFW remittances remain one of the strongest drivers of household financial stability and economic growth in the Philippines. That's why it's important that families are able to maximize the full value of every hard-earned dollar, euro, yen, or other foreign currency they receive," said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. "Through Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange, we are making foreign exchange more accessible and efficient, helping Filipinos convert opportunity into greater financial value for both their immediate needs and future aspirations."

For Lani and Derek, whose daughter has been working in Canada for six years, competitive exchange rates help them manage household expenses more effectively while setting aside funds for future needs.

"We choose Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange because of its reliable rates and the convenience of having a branch near us. We know we're getting good value for every remittance, and even the additional pesos we receive help us stretch our budget, manage rising expenses, and prepare for unexpected costs."

For Kevin, a university student whose parents work in the Middle East, getting more value from every remittance helps ease the financial demands of higher education.

"My parents always remind me that every dollar they send comes from years of hard work and sacrifice," he shared. "By exchanging their remittances through Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange, we're able to maximize what they earn overseas. The additional amount helps cover my tuition, books, and other school expenses. What also makes it convenient is Cebuana Lhuillier's Click & Connect service, which allows us to start the transaction online and complete it at our preferred branch. It saves time, makes the process easier, and helps us access better value without added hassle."

Money XChange also complements Cebuana Lhuillier's cross-border remittance services. While OFWs can send money home through Cebuana Lhuillier's global remittance partners, Money XChange provides a convenient way to exchange major foreign currencies for international travel, overseas transactions, and other financial needs. Together, these services simplify cross-border money movement, making it easier for OFWs and their families to manage their finances.

"Our goal is to make foreign exchange simple, accessible, and rewarding for Filipino families," said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier. "Through favorable rates, our nationwide network, and services like Click & Connect, we help customers access better value, greater convenience, and more flexibility in managing their finances. As part of Cebuana Lhuillier's integrated financial ecosystem, Money XChange supports the seamless movement of money between OFWs and their families back home."

Whether for everyday needs, education, savings, or future plans, Cebuana Lhuillier Money XChange helps families make the most of every remittance by combining better value, secure and reliable service, and convenient access through a trusted financial ecosystem.

Corebilt and Häfele Strengthen Collaboration to Elevate Office and Commercial Spaces in the Philippines

 Corebilt has strengthened its collaboration with Häfele Philippines, a local subsidiary of the Germany-based Häfele Group, to further enhance the delivery, functionality, and quality of office and commercial spaces across the country.

The unique collaboration brings together the leading general contractor’s expertise in design and build, IT integration, and workplace transformation with Häfele’s globally recognized solutions in architectural hardware, fittings, lighting systems, and smart space innovations.

“We want to deliver our services in the best possible way,” Corebilt President Angela Manese said during the contract signing event held Tuesday, May 12. “This partnership enables us to elevate the whole fit-out landscape, delivering fit-out solutions to clients better, faster, and more cost-efficient.”

“Our goal is to have our products in every room,” Häfele Philippines Managing Director Stan Hug stated. “And it’s only possible with the right partners, and that’s where Corebilt comes in.”

Corebilt and Häfele Philippines will work together to improve the process of delivering modern workspaces that meet the changing needs of businesses, while maintaining high standards in craftsmanship and operational performance.

“These are two organizations that are very good with what they do,” Häfele Philippines National Sales Manager Richard Garcia said. “Our good products deserve a good partner.”

The collaboration also reinforces both companies’ shared commitment to innovation, reliability, and client-focused solutions. With a growing demand for efficient and future-ready commercial interiors in the Philippines, Corebilt and Häfele’s partnership paves the way for a better approach in contractor-supplier relationships and coordination.

“This partnership started because we wanted better-delivered, high quality builds,” Fulcrum Point’s Faren Panopio shared. “We’ve always used Häfele products in our projects and this collaboration allows us to have a deeper understanding and capabilities, given their products are aligned with our clients’ visions.”

“Having worked with a lot of commercial clients and businesses, we’ve seen how board rooms, conference rooms, and meeting rooms are the biggest investments when it comes to fit-outs,” Corebilt Quantity Surveying Head David Vidad said. “We believe that Häfele’s innovative take on this crucial material is the perfect solution for improved project delivery for Corebilt.”

“Our operable systems are reliable and tested. My intention is to partner with similar partners,” Häfele Movable Walls and Technical Specs Project Division Head Benhur Imbang noted. “And without a doubt, Corebilt passes the intent and the expertise. Their vision is very much aligned with what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Häfele’s movable wall systems bring versatility to offices, homes, hotels and restaurants, allowing spaces to be reconfigured with ease. These solutions, together with other Häfele offerings such as architectural hardware represent key areas of collaboration between Corebilt and Häfele.

As both companies move forward with this strengthened collaboration, Corebilt and Häfele aim to set a new benchmark for office and commercial fit-outs in the Philippines, one that combines world-class technology, expert craftsmanship, and building with intention. Through a shared commitment to quality, precision, and long-term partnerships, this partnership reflects a shared vision of transforming vision into inspired spaces.