Casino Plus supports Brigada Eskwela, brings color to over 5,000 Students’ Lives

by Info @Brand Zone | April 10, 2025

TURNOVER CEREMONY: (from left) Mr. Rommel C. Narciso (AVP for External Affairs), Mr. Jose Miguel De La Rosa (VP for Admin & Finance), Michael Angelo Horfilla (Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corp. Corporate Social Responsibility Director), Helen A. Tumang (Concepcion South ES Principal), Karen P. Osorio (Benigno S. Aquino Jr. ES Principal), Chevy Tanglao (Mabalacat Community HS Teacher), Sheryll Manguerra (Stotsenberg Leisure Park and Hotel Corp. CDC Compliance Senior Manager)

Clark, Pampanga - As the current school year comes to a close, preparations for the next are already underway. Through the spirit of Brigada Eskwela, Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible gaming platform duly licensed by PAGCOR in partnership with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is taking proactive steps to ensure that learning spaces are ready to welcome students anew, supporting 5,250 learners across public schools in Pampanga and Tarlac.

Under Casino Plus’ education and financial literacy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillar, the initiative brings together representatives from CDC and participating schools—united in a shared commitment to empower and invest in the future of Filipino youth.

“This humble contribution aims to add color to the lives of thousands of students—color that represents hope, opportunity, and a brighter future. This was made possible through our Color Champions (employees of Casino Plus), our partners at the Clark Development Corporation and our partner schools who continue to help us turn small acts into lasting impact,” said Michael Angelo A. Horfilla, Director for Corporate Social Responsibility, Casino Plus.

For many students, a well-maintained classroom is more than just a place to learn. It is where confidence is built, dreams are nurtured, and futures begin to take shape. Through this initiative, Casino Plus brought meaningful support to 5,250 students across six (6) public schools, contributing ₱999,957.00 to help create safe, comfortable, and inspiring spaces where these dreams can grow. In addition, four (4) electric fan units were donated to support graduation activities.

The beneficiary schools include:

• San Pedro Elementary School

• Anupul Elementary School

• Dapdap Resettlement Elementary School

• Concepcion South Elementary School

• Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Elementary School

• Mabalacat Community High School

Held at the CSR Office of the Clark Development Corporation, the turnover ceremony reflected more than just a collaboration as it symbolized a deepening partnership grounded in shared values and a common goal of uplifting communities through education. 

This initiative underscores the growing and enduring relationship between Casino Plus and CDC, one built on trust, collaboration, and a shared vision of nation-building. Together, both organizations continue to champion programs that empower the youth and strengthen the foundations of local communities.

Casino Plus brings an elevated entertainment and leisure experience at the Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals

by Info @Brand Zone | January 29, 2026

P30M Champion Prize, Exciting Perks, and a Special Appearance of Maris Racal Exclusively for Qualified VIP Players

Manila, Philippines — Reinforcing its commitment to premium, player-first engaging experiences, Casino Plus elevates entertainment and leisure for its online users with the live Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals on 31 January 2026, exclusively for its qualified VIP players at the Newport World Resorts.

Unparalleled Entertainment Experience

This year’s tournament features a prize pool of up to ₱52 million, with the Champion set to take home ₱30 million. Compared to the ₱5 million champion prize previously seen in publicly announced tournaments in the Philippines. This year’s top prize is approximately six times higher, setting a new benchmark for local baccarat tournament payouts. 

"Our priority has always been to craft player-first experiences built around trust, fairness, and responsible gaming.” said Evan Spytma, The BEST ONLINE CASINO in the Philippines CEO of Casino Plus. “The Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals is our way of giving back to the players who are at the heart of Casino Plus. We endeavor to deliver entertainment that is not only thrilling, but thoughtfully designed and rewarding, elevating every touchpoint of the Casino Plus ecosystem." 

"What makes this tournament special is how it seamlessly bridges the online excitement our players love with an elevated in-person championship experience. It’s a dynamic evolution of our platform, bringing digital energy into real life in a premium, unforgettable way. From luxurious accommodations to exclusive entertainment and multi-million prizes, we designed the Grand Finals to honor our online users with the kind of hospitality and excitement they won’t find anywhere else," Spytma shared.

A Distinctive and Luxurious Hospitality, Leisure, and Dining Experience for Participants

This year’s edition introduces key upgrades from the inaugural tournament. Qualified face-to-face participants will have the ultimate pampering experience, comprised of a complimentary two-night luxurious five-star accommodation, lavish and refined dining options, and round-trip airfare or land transfers. This curated leisure journey sets the tone, helping participants reset and gear up for the thrills of competition.

The championship finals will mark the event’s most thrilling peak. Casino Plus will welcome its ambassador, Maris Racal, as a special guest performer on-site, giving audiences an up-close live performance from the popular actress, singer, and songwriter. On finals day, spectators will witness the crowning moment and immerse themselves in the full championship atmosphere, making the day not only a competitive highlight but also a memorable entertainment experience. Casino Plus hereby formally invites fans and members of the public aged twenty-one (21) years old and above to join us on-site on January 31 to witness the championship moment live.

Championship Rewards

The championship finals will mark the event’s most thrilling peak. Casino Plus will welcome its ambassador, Maris Racal, as a special guest to present the awards, giving audiences an up-close experience with the popular actress, singer, and songwriter. On finals day, spectators will witness the crowning moment and immerse themselves in the full championship atmosphere, making the day not only a competitive highlight but also a memorable entertainment experience. Casino Plus hereby formally invites fans and members of the public aged twenty-one (21) years old and above to join us on-site on January 31 to witness the championship moment live.

Qualifiers in the Online Matches 

The Casino Plus Baccarat Tournament officially kicked off online in September 2025. From September to November, the tournament advanced through monthly rounds, with the top five finishers each month earning direct qualification for the Grand Finals. In addition to the monthly qualifiers, the tournament also featured a Wild Card route that opened on December 1 and culminated in a final showdown on December 20. The top 20 Wild Card performers, together with invited VIP entrants, completed the Grand Finals roster to compete for the ultimate championship.

The on-site Grand Finals at Newport will be played across multiple baccarat rounds, with fixed hands and time limits, and enhanced by elements such as secret betting cards to raise the competitive intensity. All participants must pass eligibility checks and compete in person; proxy participation or substitute play is strictly prohibited to safeguard fairness and tournament order. Qualified finalists will face off head-to-head on the main stage for the tournament’s highest honors.

The tournament is open to Casino Plus–registered users aged 21 and above, subject to full KYC verification supported by a valid government-issued ID.

For more information, visit casinoplus.com.ph or follow https://www.facebook.com/CasinoPlusPH

#2ndBaccaratTournament #LiveBaccarat #CasinoPlusPH

PhilHealth implements one-time interest waiver to help employers and members settle contributions

by Info @Brand Zone | January 9, 2026

PR No. 2026-01 - January 6, 2026

PhilHealth welcomes the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a one-time waiver program for incurred interests from missed premium payments. This is a concrete measure to help employers, self-employed individuals, and other covered members settle long standing contribution obligations and restore good standing with the National Health Insurance Program. 

The waiver policy underscores the administration's commitment to fairness, economic recovery, and sustained access to healthcare by addressing the accumulated burden of interest arising from missed premium payments. 

To provide clarity, the one-time waiver applies strictly to interest charges, and does not cover unpaid premium contributions. The policy is designed to assist employers and self-employed individuals whose arrears have ballooned primarily because of compounded interest, while ensuring continuous delivery of benefits of employees and members of PhilHealth.  

To further ease the financial burden on covered entities, PhilHealth is providing a one-year settlement window from the effectivity of the Circular, during which outstanding premium contributions may be paid. Employers who settle earlier within the prescribed period may qualify for greater reductions in interest, including partial or full waiver, depending on the length of the payment term. 

For the employed sector, the guidelines for availing waiver will be published soon. Meanwhile, the detailed implementing mechanics for the self-employed sector are being finalized and will be issued separately to ensure proper guidance and orderly implementation. 

As part of the program safeguards, employers availing of the one-time waiver are required to register their employees under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and ensure completion of the First Patient Encounter (FPE), in line with PhilHealth policy. This requirement reinforces the intent of the waiver—not only to recover missed contributions, but also to connect workers and their families to accessible primary care services.

PhilHealth encourages all eligible employers and members to take advantage of this limited, one-time opportunity, and advises the public to await official announcements for further details on implementation timelines and payment arrangement options, particularly for the self-employed sector. 

For more information, employers may contact PhilHealth’s 24/7 hotline at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.