BDO, BPI and Metrobank are the biggest commercial and universal banks in the Philippines. Each one has its own strengths, so not one of the three, to my mind, can categorically claim that it's the most powerful bank in the country. BPI, Metrobank and other banks, however, can't but agree that BDO has been the fastest-growing bank since BDO was acquired from its original owners by the biggest shopping mall operator in the country. To ordinary people like me, however, the best banks are the ones that: • offer various banking services for free or at low costs • offer convenience to customers, such as a lot of branches, ATMs and longer banking hours • offer safe investment opportunities • give back to the community • contribute to the stability of the country's banking system Because not one bank offer all the services that we want, we usually have accounts in more than one bank. These banks offer a lot of services, including I nternet banking, investment options and private and corporate banking, but we'll mention only part of those that interest us, or that are unique to one bank. • It has a lot of ATMs and branches, with 1,600 ATMs spread out all over the country. • It's also the only one, to my knowledge, that directly accepts peso bills for deposit at several of its ATMs in Metro Manila without using an envelope and with the ATM deposit instantly credited.

• It offers a local credit card with a lower interest rate and lower-cost installment and loan features. Escape Rosecliff Island Download Gratis. • The BPI Classic Card's Special Installment Plan and straight-charge features can be used to pay tuition fees directly to the cashiers of major schools from grade schools to universities. I paid my daughter's tuition fee at FEU last semester using this feature. It gives back to the community: *It holds the annual Search for 10 Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children. *Its BPI Foundation runs: • microfinance trainings in partnership with Ateneo de Manila University in major cities • Show Me, Teach Me, SME Empowering Entrepreneurs • BPI-DOST Science Awards • BPI College Scholarship program • Climate Change Project. • Longer Banking Hours • Open on Saturdays, Sundays and most holidays (for branches located in SM malls) • Lots of branches and ATMs -- Has 1,372 ATMs and 716 branches as of June 2010 *The location of BDO branches in SM malls evidently helped speed up BDO's growth.