GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, was honoured with the Climate Advocacy and Education Award – Philippines and Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Award – Philippines accolades at the ESGBusiness Awards 2024 for its exceptional climate action initiative and dedication to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

The Philippines, renowned for its rich biodiversity, faces significant environmental challenges due to the adverse effects of climate change, most significantly severe weather events such as extreme heat and strong supertyphoons, which impact communities.

In response to these pressing issues, GCash launched GForest in 2019, a pioneering initiative designed to encourage its users to contribute to reforestation efforts and mitigate climate change impacts. It has since grown into a digital eco-movement that also spans agroforestry efforts to help boost the livelihood of farmers in various local communities throughout the Philippines.

“Our goal when we started GForest in 2019 was to make it easier for GCash app users to contribute to environmental efforts through tree planting,” explained CJ Alegre, Sustainability Head at GCash. “Through digital transactions, GCash users are able to reduce their carbon footprint, which is equivalent to in-app energy points that users can use to plant virtual trees.”

He continued, “In turn, GCash, together with its international and local partners, plant actual trees throughout the Philippines, at no cost to users. At present, GForest has planted over 2.8 million of various species, ranging from mangroves to native trees to fruit-bearing trees, including coffee and coconuts across the Philippines.”

GForest’s design features several key elements for success. It uses science-based metrics to measure carbon reductions from digital transactions, incorporates gamification for user engagement through competitive rankings, and partners with credible organisations like the WWF, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Silliman University, etc. to select indigenous tree species and crops and support community livelihoods.

Moreover, GForest collaborates with environmental experts to determine the ideal species of trees in an area and to ensure that planted seedlings have a high survivability rate. All harvests from the trees also go to their respective communities, boosting the livelihoods of farmers who earn an incremental P25,000 annually from the produce.

In 2020, GCash set a goal to plant 2.3 million trees by the end of 2023. Despite the challenges, they surpassed this target by nearly 500,000 trees. Building on this success, GCash has now committed to planting a total of 10 million digital trees by the end of 2025. To date, GForest has 19 million registered users who have contributed to these tree-planting efforts.

Dedicated to collaborating with local partners to advance sustainability efforts and address broader community development needs, Gcash was recognised with the Climate Advocacy and Education Award – Philippines accolade at the ESGBusiness Awards 2024.

Sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion are key pillars of GCash’s sustainability strategy. With 55% of its over 90 million Filipino user base being women, GCash prioritises a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that actively supports and values women’s contributions.

Acknowledging the financial needs of women and the broader societal megatrends, GCash understands the crucial role women play in driving the development of relevant and impactful financial services and solutions.

The company’s commitment to inclusivity has led to women comprising 47% of its workforce and 49% of its leadership in 2024, well above the tech industry averages of 28.8% and under 10%, respectively.

“GCash is committed to gender equality and diversity through several key initiatives. Our DEI Day x Day Training programme equips employees with inclusive communication skills and practices, achieving a 99% participation rate and 87% DEI certification. This commitment is reflected in an 88% inclusive management score from HR Asia Best Companies to Work for and Great Place to Work Surveys, indicating strong support for inclusive behaviour and equal opportunities,” shared GCash Chief People Officer Robert Gonzales.

The company also supports career advancement for women, particularly in tech, through programmes like GTalks, which connect employees with women leaders for career insights and leadership journeys. GCash’s no-mandatory dress code policy empowers employees to come to work as they are, dressed comfortably and authentically.

Additionally, GCash fosters an inclusive culture by partnering with Gallup to identify employees’ strengths and facilitate career mobility, leveraging Gallup’s focus on people’s strengths to succeed in their careers.

GCash’s commitment to championing women, diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workplace earned them the Women Empowerment Award – Philippines honour at the ESGBusiness Awards 2024.

“We are honored to be recognized by the ESGBusiness Awards for our environmental protection and women empowerment initiatives. This recognition inspires us to strive for a better Philippines—where we can help enable more Filipinos to thrive every day, be prepared for a rainy day, and plan for one day,” said GCash President and CEO Martha Sazon.

The ESGBusiness Awards recognizes and celebrates companies that lead the way in building a sustainable future. The awards program honors businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

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NUSTAR Resort Cebu recently concluded its highly anticipated Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, which took place throughout September, culminating in special events on September 14 and 17, 2024. Held at The Atrium, the festival was a vibrant celebration of Chinese heritage, tradition, and artistry.

From September 1 to 30, guests are invited to capture their Mid-Autumn memories at the festival’s exclusive Photo Lounge. This beautifully designed space provided the perfect backdrop for patrons to commemorate the occasion, with colorful lanterns and a charming bridge that transported visitors on a symbolic journey to China.

The main festivities kicked off on September 14 with a Mooncake Painting activity, where participants of all ages participated in creative expression. Following this, attendees were serenaded by the enchanting voices of a children’s choir during Lunar Lullabies, a one-hour showcase of heartwarming melodies that brought smiles to all in attendance.

On September 17, the festival continued with another afternoon of artistry, featuring both a mooncake painting activity and a Chinese calligraphy workshop. Guests had the chance to explore traditional Chinese calligraphy, further embracing the cultural richness of the event.

The day culminated in a spectacular evening event called Moonlit Symphony, which featured captivating performances under the stars. NUSTAR’s Senior Vice President in Gaming and Integrated Resort Operations, Trevor Hammond, welcomed guests with a warm address, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

“This evening is not just about festivities but about community and connection. We are delighted to share with you our curated selection of mooncakes, a time-honored tradition that represents unity, prosperity, and the joy of reunion. As we gather under the luminous light of the full moon, let it remind us of the bright and limitless possibilities ahead—possibilities that we at NUSTAR strive to bring to life through unforgettable experiences,” Trevor said.

A mesmerizing musical performance followed, enchanting the audience with its cultural significance and elegance. The evening concluded with remarks by Elizabeth Gan-Go, Vice Chairperson of the Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum, expressing the impact of preserving cultural heritage in strengthening family bonds and communities.

“In every shared moment [of] celebrating the festival, we [have seen] the essence of this celebration, [which is] the reunion of families and communities coming together to feast and give thanks to our heritage with a renewed sense of unity,” she said.

In the spirit of unity and tradition, the festival closed with the ceremonial sharing of mooncakes, a symbol of togetherness, prosperity, and gratitude.

NUSTAR Resort Cebu was honored to serve as the official venue partner for this event, made possible by the generous support of the Universal Cultural Foundation, Inc. (UCFI) and in partnership with the Sugbu Chinese Heritage Museum. The Mid-Autumn Festival was a true celebration of culture, creativity, and community, leaving guests with lasting memories of tradition and joy.

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Today’s digital life has many advantages–from the convenience of working remotely to staying connected with your family and having a variety of choices for entertainment at home.

But while more Filipinos have access to the internet today—an estimated 69 million who spend an average of nine hours online daily—the reality is that consumers are tightening their belts to prioritize their needs. At the end of the day, we must be smarter with our budget.

Fully understanding customers’ digital needs, PLDT Home offers a new Fiber Unli All plan which bundles unlimited internet with up to 2x more speeds, unlimited mobile and landline calls, and unlimited entertainment via Cignal TV.Thus, giving families more value for their money.

1) Unlimobile calls

The Fiber Unli All Plans come with an enhanced unlimited mobile calls feature, which lets the whole family enjoy free calls and texts from mobile to mobile, unlimited calls from mobile to landline, landline to landline, and landline to mobile. To enjoy this feature, customers can register five (5) Smart or TNT numbers.

2) Unliinternet with faster speeds

The Fiber UnliAll plan 1399 now comes with speeds of up to 100 Mbps speeds, which is twice as fast as the previous plan at 50 Mbps. Your whole family can enjoy playing games or watching online videos on multiple devices seamlessly. Downloading and uploading heavy files from the cloud can be done in a snap at double the speed!

3) Minimize spending on a plan

Not all internet usage is the same. A household of five obviously has heavier usage than solo nesters. Conversely, the same number of people may have bigger demands if they’re gamers or working from home, and lesser demand if they’re at the office all day.

Solo nesters may opt for the Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 while families with heavy bandwidth requirement may choose FiberUnliAll Plan1799, ensuring that they get the best deal for their internet subscription based on their digital lifestyle.

4) Premium movies and TV shows

With Fiber Unli All, you can get Cignal Plan 290 with 93 amazing channels bundled into the deal!

This gives you access to Cignal’s vast selection of premium channels that feature daily choices of popular international and local movies, TV shows, sports, news and kids’ programming. There’s really something for everyone in the family to enjoy, whether it’s classic movies and TV series or highly anticipated new blockbusters. It’ll take your family’s movie night to the next level, for sure!

5) Simplified billing, multiple services

Receiving and paying for one bill for multiple services make it easier to do monthly budget and tracking expenses, potentially leading to further savings. The convenience of paying for an internet and cable TV services (plus unlimited calls or texts for free) all in one account also enables the convenience of using digital payment apps to schedule monthly payments.

PLDT Home gives customers the option to choose between FiberUnliAll Plans 1399 and 1799, ensuring that they get the best deal for their internet subscription.

Check out how PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans can supercharge your home by visiting this link.

The post Supercharge your home with an all-in-one broadband plan appeared first on MyCebu.ph: Re/Discover Cebu.

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful fusion because Krispy Kreme just introduced its latest indulgence, the Churro Doughnuts. Available from September 4 to October 13, 2024, this delightful creation marries the classic charm of churros with the beloved texture of the world-famous Original Glazed doughnuts, delivering a treat that fans of both iconic treats will adore.

The Churro Doughnuts offer a fresh twist on a timeless favorite — imagine the light and airy texture of a Krispy Kreme doughnut covered in a cinnamon-sugar mix reminiscent of the churro’s signature flavor. This creation is shaped into a C, making it easy to dip, share, and enjoy.

But that’s not all—Krispy Kreme has elevated the churro experience by introducing three irresistible dips. Guests can choose from rich Dark Chocolate, creamy White Chocolate, and luscious Caramel, providing a perfect complement to the Churro Doughnuts. Whether you’re a churro enthusiast or a certified Krispy Kreme OG, this treat offers a taste experience like no other!

#SpotHappy as you treat yourself and loved ones to this delicious combination available at Krispy Kreme stores nationwide. For P390, you can purchase the Churro Doughnuts which are available in-store via dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or through Krispy Kreme’s delivery channels:

• Order Online at now.krispykreme.com.ph
• Metro Manila Hotline at 888-79000
• GrabFood, FoodPanda, Pick.A.Roo, OrderMo, and Groover.

Hurry and grab your box before they’re gone, and join the churro craze sweeping across Krispy Kreme stores this season!

The post Krispy Kreme unveils a delightful twist with new churro doughnuts appeared first on MyCebu.ph: Re/Discover Cebu.

As Asia’s leading telco and ICT event marked its 20th year, ACC, formerly known as the “Asian Carriers Conference” returned to Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu, Philippines this 2024, with the theme “Amplify, Cultivate, and Celebrate.” This milestone event reflected on two decades of connecting industry leaders and enabling a future of advanced digital transformations.

20 years of driving the industry forward

Organized with the help of the PLDT Group, ACC has long served as a platform in fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within the industry. This year, ACC provided an opportunity for global carriers to envision the next 20 years and beyond, setting the stage for continued progress and development.

In his opening remarks, PLDT Global President and CEO Albert V. Villa-Real underscored the important role of telco and tech leaders in a constantly evolving world. “We have to lead those changes by constantly pushing the frontiers of digital transformation, starting from within our organization and branching out to our customers.”

From its inception as a regional meeting of carriers, ACC has evolved into one of the most prestigious conferences in the telco and ICT industry, attracting change-makers from Asia and beyond. Over the years, ACC has been instrumental in driving the growth and evolution of the global digital ecosystem through thought leadership, business networking, and comprehensive delegate experiences. The PLDT Group has been a steadfast partner of ACC throughout the years, contributing to its growth and success.

Transformative highlights of ACC’s 20th

The 5-day event featured a rich program of forums and workshops, addressing current industry challenges and future trends. A key highlight was the Strategy Summit, titled “The Art and Science of Wow: Great Customer Experience in the Phygital World,” which was delivered by Brand and Customer Engagement Expert and Former Head of Digital for the Virgin Group, Alex Hunter.

Hunter’s keynote speech emphasized the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating “wow moments” for customers. He likewise highlighted the concept of “phygital”—the merging of physical and digital experiences as a key driver of unique and extraordinary customer interactions.

ACC also featured a roundtable forum on maximizing 5G investments through effective monetization strategies. The session provided valuable insights for telecom operators looking to capitalize on their 5G infrastructure.

Various workshops which covered critical industry topics also took place, addressing issues ranging from AI and cloud integration to cybersecurity threats and the evolution of telco networks.

Showcase of local products at ACC’s Shopping Village

The 20th year of the ACC brought back its ‘Shopping Village’ which showcased products from Cebu’s micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative provided local businesses with a global platform to promote Cebuano products, demonstrating ACC’s commitment to supporting regional economies.

“Our dream has always been to expand our reach internationally, as handloom weaving, though deeply rooted in local traditions, deserves global recognition. This opportunity allows us to showcase the excellence of Filipino handicrafts on the world stage and affirm that they can stand among the finest globally,” said Dr. Jorelyn P. Concepcion, University Director for Viable Demonstration Project at Cebu Technological University, and Project Director of social enterprise Hinablon sa Cebu.

The PLDT Group’s support for the ACC is aligned with its drive to enable the creation of opportunities for collaboration among telco and technology partners that will benefit the global industry.

The post PLDT-backed ACC celebrates 20-year legacy of shaping the future appeared first on MyCebu.ph: Re/Discover Cebu.

Credit cards offer a convenient and flexible way to manage your finances, and different card programs can help you unlock a wide range of benefits tailored to your particular needs and lifestyle. From helping you earn cashback to giving you access to exclusive discounts, the right credit card can significantly enhance each shopping experience and contribute towards your financial well-being.

For those who love to shop for high-quality imported goods abroad and look forward to a similar experience in premium groceries in the Philippines, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card—a convenient Landers membership promo credit card combo—is an excellent option, designed to offer additional value beyond standard credit card features.

The Landers membership promo credit card stands out by combining typical credit card benefits with special perks tailored specifically for Landers shoppers. On top of a 5% cashback perk on Landers Superstore purchases, this two-in-one membership and credit card enables 2% cashback on all dining experiences and 1% cashback on other transactions, meaning that you’ll be rewarded wherever you go.

If this sounds appealing to you and you’re thinking of signing up for a new credit card in the Philippines, let the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card be your number one choice. Let’s explore a few strategies to make the most of your Landers membership promo credit card and level up your shopping and dining experiences in the country:

1) Earn cashback when you shop at Landers

One of the standout features of a Landers membership promo credit card is, of course, the ability to earn cashback on purchases made at Landers Superstore. 5% of the value of each transaction at Landers will be returned to you, which can significantly reduce your overall expenses at your go-to grocery in the Philippines.

To take full advantage of this feature, consider timing your shopping trips so that they’re right on schedule with Landers’ promotional periods. Landers often runs sales and special offers that can increase your savings on essential groceries even further. For example, during holiday seasons or anniversary sales, you’ll likely find discounts on bulk items or products that are in high demand. With the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card, you’ll be able to reap the benefits from both the exclusive discounts and the cashback.

Another tip is to focus on purchasing essentials that you use regularly. Items like food, household supplies, and personal care products are things you’ll need to buy often anyway, so why not earn cashback on them? Over time, these small savings can add up and allow you to accumulate noteworthy savings that can be used to offset future purchases.

2) Pay for dining and shopping with your credit card

Again, your Landers membership promo credit card isn’t just for shopping at Landers. It’s also a versatile tool for earning rewards at all other establishments in the world that accept VISA.

When you use your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya to pay for your meals, for example, you can earn a 2% cashback. For shopping outside of Landers, whether in physical stores or online, your Maya credit card can help you rack up rewards quickly, allowing you to earn 1% cashback on all other transactions. As you use your credit card over time, you’ll get the most value out of it in terms of rewards.

3) Get a discount on your Landers membership

Another way you can make good use of your Landers membership promo credit card is to use it to renew your Landers membership. Doing so allows you to save up on this annual expense.

Watch out for discounts or rebates on Landers membership renewals that are exclusive to Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card holders. Keep an eye out for special promotions or offers that may be available when it’s time to renew your membership, including discounts on the renewal fee, bonus cashback, or even extended membership periods at no extra cost.

4) Manage your finances with credit card features

You can also use your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya to manage your finances more effectively. The card comes with various features designed to help you track your spending and your budget.

This card will allow you to monitor your transactions in real time using the Maya app. When you review your spending, you can identify areas where you might be overspending with your card and adjust your budget accordingly.

In addition, you can set daily spending limits to ensure extra control and security for your card purchases. This can help you stay on top of your finances and avoid carrying a balance on your card, which can lead to hefty interest charges. Again, all of your daily monitoring and adjustments for your card can be done in a few taps on the Maya app.

5) Use the credit card for secure online spending

In today’s increasingly digital world, online shopping has become a convenient way to purchase goods and services. However, security would be a top concern for any customer making transactions online.

Thankfully, you can also use your Landers membership promo credit card for online shopping experiences that are both safe and convenient. Just remember to transact only with trusted websites that employ advanced security features, like a one-time password verification system. This will keep your card, and in turn your finances, from getting compromised.

All in all, the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya is definitely worth exploring for its perks, especially its cashback rates. Use your card for shopping, dining, and online spending to save money and get the best deal out of every purchase.

The post 5 ways to make good use of your Landers membership promo credit card appeared first on MyCebu.ph: Re/Discover Cebu.

The global pilot shortage is a significant challenge facing the aviation industry today. This shortage is driven by factors such as increased demand for air travel, an aging workforce, and the lengthy and costly process of pilot training. As airlines around the world struggle to fill cockpit seats, the impact is felt across all sectors of the industry, including those in the Philippines.

With growing air travel demand and a limited supply of trained pilots, local airlines are working to find solutions to this pressing issue. From partnering with pilot schools to promoting work-life balance, these efforts are crucial for sustaining the growth and efficiency of the aviation sector.

Now, let’s explore how airlines ensure their fleets are in the hands of a capable pilot workforce amidst the global shortage.

Partnership with pilot schools

One of the most effective strategies being employed by airlines is forming partnerships with local pilot schools. These collaborations are designed to streamline the training process and create a direct pipeline for new pilots entering the industry. An airline that partners with the top pilot school in the Philippines may also provide financial support or scholarships to promising students. This makes the path to becoming a pilot more accessible and appealing.

Moreover, airlines may offer internships or guaranteed job placements upon graduation. This approach helps increase the number of qualified candidates as well as ensure that the training received is relevant and meets the high standards of the airline industry.

Better incentives

To attract and retain top talent, airlines are introducing a variety of incentives designed to make the profession more appealing. Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages are at the forefront of these efforts, aiming to provide financial stability and reward for the demanding work pilots undertake. Additionally, airlines are offering signing bonuses and relocation assistance to further entice new recruits and help them transition smoothly into their roles. These incentives are crucial in addressing the financial barriers that might deter potential candidates from pursuing a career in aviation.

Career development opportunities

Career development is another key focus for airlines aiming to enhance pilot retention and satisfaction. Many airlines are investing in programs that offer pilots clear pathways for career progression. These programs often include specialized training, leadership development, and opportunities for advancement within the airline. These opportunities can enhance the skills and knowledge of pilots and demonstrate the airline’s commitment to their professional development. Consequently, pilots are more likely to stay with an airline that invests in their career growth, which contributes to higher retention rates and a more experienced workforce.

Welcoming back former crew

Another effective strategy being utilized is the rehiring of retired or former pilots. Many airlines are reaching out to experienced pilots who have left the industry, offering them the chance to return to flying. This approach leverages the existing expertise and experience of these individuals, which provides a quicker and more reliable solution to the shortage.

Also, rehiring former crew members is advantageous as it reduces the need for extensive retraining and allows for a smoother reintegration into the workforce. Former pilots are already familiar with the operational standards and culture of the airline. This can make their transition back into the role more seamless.

Work-life balance promotion

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for retaining pilots and ensuring their overall job satisfaction. Recognizing this, airlines are implementing initiatives to improve the work-life balance of their current pilots. These initiatives include offering flexible scheduling options and generous time-off policies.

With a more flexible schedule, pilots can manage their personal and professional lives more effectively. This consequently reduces the risk of burnout and fatigue. Additionally, airlines are providing comprehensive support systems, such as counseling services and wellness programs, that contribute to the overall well-being of pilots. As a result, it makes the job more sustainable and enjoyable.

Expanded pathways for non-traditional candidates

To broaden the pool of potential pilots, airlines are also increasingly considering non-traditional candidates. These can include individuals who may not have followed the conventional path of attending aviation school but possess valuable experience and skills that can be effectively transferred to commercial aviation roles.

For example, one significant untapped resource is the community of military pilots. Many military pilots possess extensive flying experience, often under challenging conditions, which makes them highly skilled aviators. However, transitioning from military to commercial aviation requires additional certification and training, as the two fields have different operational standards and regulations. Airlines can facilitate this transition by developing tailored programs that recognize the skills and experience of military pilots, offering them a faster track to commercial certification. These programs might include bridging courses that focus on the specific requirements of commercial aviation.

The pilot shortage crisis presents a significant challenge for airlines in the Philippines, but the industry is responding with a range of innovative strategies. Through these solutions, airlines are working to address the shortage and ensure the continued growth and efficiency of the aviation sector. As these strategies evolve, the future of Philippine aviation looks promising, with a more robust and capable workforce on the horizon.

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Two Filipino NGOs have been named as recipients of grants from the APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0, which provides funding for local sustainability-focused organizations and initiatives in the region in the face of climate change and worsening natural disasters.

The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund 2.0 is supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank. The Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) and the University of the Philippines Public Administration Research and Extension Services Foundation (UPPAF), Inc. are the only organizations from the Philippines receiving a part of the US$5 million allocated for the fund. The two organizations are also among those that are supported by AI technology.

ASSIST helps local communities and organizations in the Philippines gain the skills they need to create more sustainable solutions all around, whether it entails technical training or learning about disaster response.

“By leveraging the Sustainability Seed Fund, we plan to scale up through three pathways: geographic expansion into neighboring ASEAN countries, scope expansion by updating and broadening the green skills curriculum, and technological expansion by incorporating advanced delivery methods like VR, AR, and AI technologies,” said Francis Macatulad, ASSIST Executive Director.

Meanwhile, the UPPAF aims to improve transportation in developing countries as a whole by addressing fossil fuel dependence and poor energy efficiency in public transport operations.

“With this generous funding, we aim to revolutionize paratransit systems in developing countries by addressing fossil fuel dependence, poor energy efficiency in public transport operations and the need for inclusive and just transition,” said Dr. Noriel Christopher Tiglao, Professor and Project Leader at UPPAF.

The APAC Sustainability Seed Fund is now in its second year of supporting researchers and social investors who are using AI and cloud technologies to build their sustainability solutions. Recent advances in artificial intelligence can help with mitigation and adaptation efforts, contributing to a more sustainable future for people across the Asia-Pacific region.

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PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to support local culture, enabling the 11th year of Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, known as the “Festival of Festivals”, organized by the Provincial Government of Cebu.

“We give our all-out support especially during significant cultural events such as the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo. Our enhanced network technologies not only enable the festival’s operations but also allow attendees to share their experiences in real-time. These efforts also bolster the provincial government’s thrust to propel Cebu’s economic goals, and further promote Cebu’s rich cultural heritage,” said George Carmelo Clemente, Head of PLDT Home Sales Visayas and Mindanao.

To boost network quality, PLDT and Smart enhanced connectivity along the festival’s designated routes for the duration of the event, ensuring seamless connection. This includes the deployment of Multiple-Element on Wheels (MEOW) to significantly boost signal strength and expand capacity, anticipating the increased voice and data traffic due to the influx of festivalgoers, participants, and organizers.

PLDT Group also provided comprehensive logistical and merchandising support, including buntings, tents, festival banners, blimps, and sales booths. Dedicated fixed connectivity lines were provided to the provincial government’s event command center, VIP area and for their seamless livestream of street dances and the showdown of ritual dance performances by the different participating component cities and municipalities.

News organizations have also been provided with PLDT Wifi to ensure smooth coverage of the vibrant festivities. Additionally, PLDT Home Wifi devices were also awarded to the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival Queen, adding fun and excitement to the event.

The impact of PLDT and Smart’s support extended beyond the festival grounds, as shared by local business owner Marian Prangos, 42, from Lapu-Lapu City. “We always ensure to be present during major events or festivals, like the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, as this is a great opportunity to have more customers try our food stall. A stable mobile signal is also what we need wherever we set up our stall, for better coordination and operations. We thank Smart for its reliable connectivity which is very helpful for our online payment transactions.”

The PLDT group’s support for local festivals like Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is aligned with its commitment to deliver leveled-up customer experience across the country. Smart’s award-winning mobile network, recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience according to the latest report by independent analytics firm Opensignal, covers 97% of the material population, supported by PLDT’s most extensive fiber infrastructure. This is also aligned to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to narrow the digital divide, provide connectivity to all, and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. These also reinforce the Group’s support for the Government’s overall digitalization thrust.

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Leading developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) will soon open doors to Cebu’s next go-to lifestyle destination, Astra Lifestyle Centre, to provide a unique, elevated dining and lifestyle experience for Cebuanos. The upscale boutique mall set to open doors early 2025, offers a new lifestyle retail experience.

Situated Mandaue City’s lifestyle avenue A.S. Fortuna Street, Astra Lifestyle Centre is set to attract Cebuanos who prefer to socialize away from the usual mall crowd, providing a unique and exclusive setting that enables guests to relax and enjoy.

“We are excited for the full opening of Astra Lifestyle Centre in early 2025. It’s CLI’s second mixed-use development in Cebu that is envisioned to give Cebuanos a new exclusive retail experience,” says Franco Soberano, CLI Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. “We put a lot of effort in its sustainable design and the selection of only the best dining, wellness and lifestyle options to be available in Astra Lifestyle Center.”

Astra Centre

Astra Lifestyle Centre is part of CLI’s 1.23-hectare Astra Centre promotes an integrated and dynamic lifestyle where residents and visitors can live, work and thrive all in one place. Astra Centre is CLI’s flagship mixed-use project in Cebu that features sustainable green designs, having been awarded a four-star accreditation under the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) system.

The mixed-use development is comprised of four major components, namely: One Astra Place, a two-tower residential condominium with a full range of amenities and will commence turnovers by the fourth quarter of this year; Astra Corporate Center, an office tower with spaces designed to be flexible and conducive to productivity in a first-class corporate environment; Radisson Red Cebu, the first in the Philippines, will offer a unique concept that appeals to tech-savvy travelers, looking for more unique, stylish hotel experiences that revolve around art, music and fashion; and Astra Lifestyle Centre.

Astra Lifestyle Centre

Positioned as Cebu’s next go-to lifestyle destination, Astra Lifestyle Centre will feature unique, carefully selected retail concepts, a variety of food outlets, fitness, spa, and an entertainment area.

Among its prominent features are its interior plaza and high ceiling atrium. It also has a paseo with outdoor dining, food and beverages, retail stores; and a paseo that connects to its sunken garden and supermarket to provide a truly unique, relaxing retail experience in Cebu.

Astra Lifestyle Centre has four levels with 6,151 square meters of gross floor area with leasable spaces ranging from 25 square meters up to 300 square meters. It also offers a two-basement parking area with 149 slots dedicated to its patrons.

Astra Lifestyle Centre’s basement level will be dedicated to everyday essentials which will house a premium supermarket and beauty and wellness zone. Its ground level will feature local and global brands that are ‘firsts in Cebu’ with a mix of F&B and retail. The second level is dedicated to national and local retail brands featuring artisan food shops, fitness and kid’s recreation. Lastly, the third level will showcase its amphitheater for event activations.

An elevated retail experience awaits Cebuanos with Cebu’s next go-to lifestyle destination, slated to open in early 2025.

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It may seem overwhelming to save up for your dream destination at first, considering how much time it can take and how strict you might need to be with your personal budget to get to your desired amount. If you’ve been busy and a lot of things in your everyday life demand your attention, it may even seem impossible. But you shouldn’t give up on your travel bucket list just yet! There are several ways that you can make saving up for a big trip more manageable and perhaps even fun. You can start, for one, by doing a savings challenge.

Savings challenges help you break down a huge financial goal into smaller, more realistic objectives. This will allow you to build up momentum and make saving a habit rather than a chore. While people often do these challenges by physically setting aside money for them, you can participate in your chosen challenge by opening a savings account and funneling your travel funds into it.

Maya Savings, for instance, not only makes it convenient to save but also lets your savings accumulate through its 3.5% interest p.a. base rate. You can even increase this all the way up to 15% interest p.a. by using your Maya e-wallet for other transactions, like paying bills. You’ll be able to enjoy a boost to your savings challenge and make more money in the long run for your travel fund due to the high interest rate.

Looking for a savings challenge that’ll suit your means? Here are some examples of travel savings challenges you can try out now in preparation for an upcoming trip:

1) The 52-week money challenge

The 52-week money challenge is one of the most popular savings challenges around because it’s fairly manageable, and it can help you save up a huge amount without you immediately feeling the pinch. The way this challenge goes is that you set aside money each week, and as the weeks go by, you add onto your initial amount.

For example, if you start with P50 on Week 1, then the deposit for Week 2 should be P100, P150 for Week 3, P200 for Week 4, and so on. By the time you’re done with this challenge, you may end up saving more than P60,000—just enough for a budget trip abroad. You can also modify the starting amount and the amount for the weekly contribution according to your means.

If you’re the type who has your funds stored in a digital wallet rather than cash, you can do your challenge through Maya’s Personal Goals. This feature lets you set up to five personal goals, in five separate sub-accounts, that you can then deposit money to seamlessly from your Maya wallet. What’s great about going this route is that Personal Goals gives you 4% interest p.a. monthly, which can contribute further to your weekly travel savings.

2) The financial minimalist challenge

This challenge tests your ability to be frugal as you stick only to the essentials when it comes to your spending. This means cutting out unnecessary expenditures such as takeout, treats, and some other leisure expenses. Part of the challenge is to find ways to replace those with more affordable and even free alternatives. For example, stick to home-cooked meals instead of ordering food, or take up a low-cost activity to spend your free time on, like reading or running. The money that you save from not splurging can go into your travel savings instead.

It may take you some time to adjust to this shift, so consider starting off small. For example, limit the challenge to take place on weekends only or on a bi-weekly basis. Just try not to undo your progress by spending too much on your free days.

3) The 50-peso savings challenge

Another easy savings challenge you can try out is the 50-peso savings challenge, wherein each time you get a 50-peso bill, you stash it away as part of your savings. It may not be as structured as the other savings challenges and can thus can be unpredictable, but those 50-peso bills can quickly pile up over time and can yield big savings especially if you keep up the habit over a span of several months to a year. You can also try a different variation of this, such as stashing away 20-peso or 100-peso bills instead.

4) “Keep the change” challenge

If you happen to make numerous cash transactions throughout the day, then you can try out the “keep the change” challenge to add to your savings. How it goes is that you’ll set aside any change you get during transactions as part of your savings.

Just bought a P175 drink and paid for it using a 200-peso bill? Then put away the change as part of the challenge. The amounts may not seem very large now, but they’ll eventually add up and turn into a decent amount over time.

For the best results, try integrating this with other savings challenges you’re already doing. You’ll be surprised about how much pocket money you might end up saving for your travels!

5) Money mistake jar challenge

Even with how disciplined you are at saving, there are times when slip-ups can happen. Perhaps you purchased something that isn’t in your budget, or you ended up splurging on an unplanned night out with friends.

Instead of beating yourself up about it, balance it out by creating a money mistake jar that you have to put money into each time you go off-budget. Even if the amount isn’t near equivalent to what you’ve spent, this can help discourage such cases from happening again while also letting you still save up a small amount for your travel fund.

All in all, if saving money feels both easier and more manageable, you’ll be able to build up saving habits that can benefit you long after you’ve reached your goal and traveled where you wanted to go. Pick a savings challenge (or two) from among the ones discussed in this article, and start saving up for your next dream vacation!

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For many businesses in the Philippines, particularly larger ones, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) mandates the use of a computerized accounting system (CAS) to facilitate accurate and transparent record-keeping. However, even smaller businesses that aren’t legally required to use a CAS can unlock significant advantages by adopting one. A CAS streamlines operations, enhances the accuracy of financial records, and facilitates easier tax compliance, so it’s a valuable tool for businesses of any size, provided it remains compliant with BIR regulations.

Maintaining BIR compliance with your CAS is not just a matter of fulfilling legal obligations, but it’s also a critical aspect of responsible business management. Non-compliance can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines, audits, and even potential legal action. More than just avoiding penalties, maintaining BIR compliance for your CAS helps build credibility and trust with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and investors. It reflects your organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability, which are essential qualities in today’s business environment.

With this in mind, it will help you to understand how to keep your CAS in line with BIR requirements. Follow these practical steps to maintain compliance and ensure that your accounting systems always meet legal standards:

Secure BIR approval

Before you can make use of your CAS, the BIR will need to verify that it meets all requirements and issue an official approval. This process begins when you submit an application, which must include detailed documentation. You’ll have to provide a comprehensive description of the system, a sworn statement attesting to its capabilities, and sample reports that the system can generate. The BIR will be carefully examining each of these elements to verify that your system is capable of accurate and reliable record-keeping.

Preserve system security and data integrity

Now that the business world is becoming increasingly digital, the security of your accounting system should be one of your major priorities. Fortifying your CAS with robust security measures is not just a recommendation but a necessity for maintaining compliance with BIR regulations. Effective security protocols, such as encryption and regular password updates, play a critical role in protecting your financial data from unauthorized access. It’s best to implement strong access controls to further enhance the security of your system and limit the risk of internal or external threats tampering with your data.

However, security is not just about keeping unauthorized users out. It’s also about making sure that the data within your system remains accurate and uncompromised. This is the main value of audit trails since they track every change made within the system. They also provide a clear record of who made the change, what was altered, and when it occurred. You need this level of transparency to effectively detect and correct any discrepancies.

Set up archiving and backup systems

The BIR requires that businesses maintain their records for a minimum of 10 years, which makes it essential to have a reliable archiving system in place. This is in your best interest for reasons beyond compliance, as it allows you to maintain a detailed record of your business’s financial history. An effective archiving system stores all relevant data securely and makes it easy to retrieve quickly when needed. In addition, consider the storage method, whether it’s physical storage for printed records or digital archiving solutions that provide both security and accessibility.

It will also help your business to establish a robust backup system. Regular backups are critical to safeguarding your data against loss, whether due to technical failures, cyber threats, or other unforeseen events. The backup system should be designed in a way that makes it easy to restore your financial records with minimal disruption, even in the event of a disaster. You can store backups in secure, offsite locations or use cloud-based solutions for an additional layer of protection.

Train employees

A well-implemented computerized accounting system is only as good as the people using it. Your employees will need to be properly trained in both the technical and regulatory aspects of the CAS. Training should go beyond just the basics of operating the system, as it should encompass a thorough exploration of the importance of compliance and the specific BIR requirements that the system is designed to meet. Employees need to be aware of the consequences of non-compliance, both for the business and for their roles within it.

Conduct frequent audits

Internal audits serve as a vital tool for maintaining BIR compliance. Regularly auditing your CAS gives you the opportunity to identify and rectify any potential issues before they become serious problems. Audits can be internal or conducted by an external third party. In either case, they should be comprehensive, covering all aspects of the system from data accuracy to security protocols. The goal is to ensure that every part of the CAS is functioning correctly and that all financial records are accurately recorded and reported.

Ultimately, a compliant CAS is a vital asset that supports your business’s long-term growth and credibility. The time and effort you invest today in maintaining BIR compliance will sustain the integrity and success of your business in the long run.

The post How to ensure your computerized accounting system is BIR-compliant appeared first on MyCebu.ph: Re/Discover Cebu.

Optimize for building relationships rather than completing just a transaction to cultivate consumer affinity with your company, branding expert Alex Hunter said in his keynote speech last night at the Asian Carriers Conference 2024 at the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu.

Hunter, the former head of online of the Virgin Group, spoke during the ACC 2024 Strategy Summit.

He shared his experience with a New York City hotel that kept track of his favorite snack and drink, Diet Coke, and made sure that his room was stocked with these, even in his succeeding bookings. They got the information by asking him to fill in a form and kept it on file.

“When I get there I get a handwritten note, ‘Dear Alex, welcome back.’ Context. A basket of snacks, fridge full of Diet Coke. It sounds so small, so basic. But if you think about it, it is a complete transformation of the way they view me,” Hunter said.

“I am no longer simply a transaction to be squeezed for every possible penny. Rather, I am now an equal participant in a relationship that we are both invested in, in time, energy, and money. And that investment pays off in orders of magnitude over a lifetime of our relationship. Because I will pay more just to go to this hotel where I am recognized as somebody,” he said.

Technology like artificial intelligence or AI will allow brands to extract important insights and information to create “wow moments” for consumers.

AI, he said in an interview with reporters after his talk, will “free us up from some of this repetitive stuff” and allow employees to focus on important work such as creating moments of “delight” for consumers.

“Give the heavy lifting, give the routine process work to AI,” Hunter said. This will free “customer service experts to actually solve the unique problems that our customers come to us with.”

“AI is a tool, not a feature,” Hunter said. “It is a tool that allows us to create wow.”

“As a consumer, I don’t care how it works, I care that it works. Everything that you can unlock for me with all the amazing technology that you do, tell me about that,” he said.

A key theme in the keynote and the talk that preceded it is the concept of “phygital” or the merging of the physical and the digital,

Hunter said it was important for brands to “blend those offline and offline experiences into something that is truly unique and extraordinary.”

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Trevolution Group, the global travel industry leader operating ASAP Tickets, Skylux Travel, Oojo, Triplicity, Dreamport, and other major travel brands, has announced a stable 10% growth in flight sales across the Philippines during the first half of 2024.

The group repeatedly highlighted this robust market as one of the leading travel destinations for international airline passengers.

A total of over 90,000 airline tickets have been sold across traditional leisure tourism, as well as the emerging visiting-friends-and-relatives (VFR) segment, resulting in more than 120 million USD in gross bookings, or almost 20% of the company’s overall gross profit during the six-month period of the current year.

• Gross travel bookings, which refers to the total dollar value, generally inclusive of taxes and fees, amounted to 120.62 million USD, accounting for 19.8% of the Group’s total gross profit;
• The number of unique tickets issued reached 90,181, increasing by 9.6% vs. H1 2023;
• Economy class constituted 98.5% of all flight bookings and went up in demand by 9.6%;
• The share of round-trip tickets increased by 2.5% and amounted to 79.7% of all tickets sold.

Historically, the Philippines has been a top travel choice for the Group’s air passengers, and currently, the demand for transpacific flights departing from the country is also growing significantly and surpassing the levels seen before the pandemic.

In the first six months of 2024, Trevolution Group has reported a 48.3% increase in outbound tourism compared to the same travel period last year, which indicates the market’s rapid recovery and progressive economic growth.

Today, more Filipino travelers choose foreign destinations that are closer to home or prefer to travel domestically showing almost a threefold increase in flights taken across the country compared to the first half of 2023. Family-friendly destinations and extended weekend trips are stealing the spotlight while simultaneously boosting the local tourism sector.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Philippines received over 3.32 million international visitor arrivals from January to July of this year with over 15% increase from the same travel period in 2023.

As a result of constantly improving travel infrastructure and connectivity, as well as the active promotional campaign efforts, DOT sees a positive trajectory for the country’s international tourist arrivals, and the Philippines travel sector is set to break new records by the end of the year.

According to ticket sales from the Philippines, air passengers tend to do more last-minute decisions and, therefore, only less than one-third of all travelers buy their tickets over three months in advance compared to almost the same 26% share in the first half of last year, while almost 15% choose to do it up to 10 days in advance showing a slight 3% increase in last-minute bookings from H1 of 2023.

“Our objectives for the Philippines this year are very ambitious – we are now focusing on a local expansion and active hiring, expecting to gain over a thousand people in Cebu and over 500 in Manilla. To provide more value for the market, we are now working on offering our travel products to the local clientele, including introduction of the financial options to help finance air travel. Additionally, our team is excited to launch a new product, the all-in-one travel super-app Dreampass, designed to further enhance customer engagement,” commented Alex Weinstein, founder of Dyninno Group of Companies.

Trevolution Group, which operates International Travel Network, ASAP Tickets, Skylux Travel, Dreamport, Oojo, and other travel brands, has established itself as the market leader in the travel business, specializing in the visiting friends and relatives’ segment. Over 840,000 unique airline tickets and vacation packages were sold by the companies under the Trevolution Group brand in 2023, making it the fourth-largest airline ticket consolidator in the US.

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Leading developer in Vismin Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) unveiled Cebu’s newest rooftop restaurant, Sunset Soirees — its latest addition to complement the now completed two-building development, The Pad Co-Living, open for long and short-stay residents strategically located in Banilad High Street.

Sunset Soirees Rooftop Restaurant

Located at the roof deck of The Pad Co-Living, Sunset Soirees Rooftop Restaurant is open to offer Cebuanos elevated comfort food and great cocktails amidst a laid back rooftop setting. The restaurant aims to take guests into a ‘sunset state of mind’ – where guests can slow down, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing view right at the heart of the city.

The restaurant offers a special fusion and chef-curated menus for social gatherings, giving its guests a delectable selection while catching the sunset views amidst the in-city skyline. Their bestsellers include its sunset pizzas, burgers, skewers, pastas and Filipino favorites among others.

The Pad Co-Living’s in-house restaurant is set to give every guest fun vibes with family and friends through different community activities and gigs that will deliver fun and exciting experiences.

Sunset Soiree can accommodate up to 120 people at one time and is also open for special events. It is child and pet-friendly, and includes a swimming pool where guests can “Dip and Dine.” In the evenings, its cocktail bar opens with a great atmosphere and music to hang out with friends.

Sunset Soirees Rooftop Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

New building for short-stay residents

With the success of their first building for long-stay residents, The Pad Co-Living now opens its second building to cater short-stay or hostel bookings perfect for business travelers, backpackers and transients. It comprises 100 rooms, with each room accommodating up to four persons.

Daily rates start as low as P750/person/night with breakfast options. Residents can enjoy all amenities at The Pad including its swimming pool, roof deck lounge, social kitchen, and laundromat.

The Pad Co-living is operated by CLI’s hotel arm, CLI Hotels and Resorts Inc., and is a project of Sugbo Prime Estate Inc., a partnership between Cebu Landmasters and the Farrarons Family of Sugbo Prime.

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As artificial intelligence (AI) takes the world by storm, its widespread use has brought about questions on ethics, transparency, and existential risk, especially in the financial technology landscape. To create safe and secure AI products, fintech institutions are urged to address the urgent demand to implement ethical considerations and responsible AI systems. This means requiring thoughtful, human-centered design to enhance data privacy and security, transparency, accountability, human oversight, and fairness at the forefront of AI advancement.

With responsible finance at its core, GCash underscores the importance of upholding these values as it revolutionizes the financial sector through the launch of its AI Ethics roadshow as part of its GCash Good Data for Good initiative. In line with its mission to champion inclusive finance, this initiative is aimed at effectively utilizing AI within its organization and across the fintech space to create a financial future that fosters an ethical climate along with inclusivity and security, ultimately fostering a collaborative ripple of positive change for millions of Filipinos.

“AI is a valuable tool for financial innovation, but it must be developed and implemented with fairness, transparency, and robust data security measures in place. This initiative is one of GCash’s conscious efforts to align AI with a moral compass, human values, fairness, transparency, and accountability, which we treat as an urgent matter that impacts human lives, society, and the environment,” says GCash chief data officer Sara Venturina.

To further embrace the AI revolution, lead with vision and integrity, and confidently navigate the future of fintech, the roadshow consisted of a series of talks and online training sessions for GCash employees and its partners who play significant roles in achieving its financial inclusion pursuit. Moreover, this program ensures workforce development, nurturing a culture of ethical excellence, adaptability, resilience, and innovation.

As part of its commitment to promoting ethical AI practices, GCash is a proud member of the AI Verify Foundation, a global community that convenes AI owners, solution providers, users, and policymakers to build trustworthy AI systems. This membership underscores GCash’s dedication to Responsible AI, allowing the company to benchmark its efforts against global standards and further solidify its stance on ethical AI integration.

In addition, the GCash Data for Good also reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting an ethical data-driven climate within the fintech community. This includes bolstering its credibility in data management and advancing the integration of AI into GCash’s AI-powered in-app features including its newest innovations such as GScore AI calculates users’ creditworthiness and loan eligibility based on their daily app usage, removing the need for forms or additional documents, Hyper-personalized ads, and GCoach AI which is an in-app guide that uses generative AI to educate users on spending, saving, and growing their money.

Likewise, through this initiative, GCash enhances not only its transparent AI decision-making process, coupled with human oversight to ensure they are steeped in ethical considerations that prioritize the welfare of its users but also its risk management by proactively mitigating potential future risks stemming from data mishandling or the deployment of biased AI models.

“At GCash, we see the rise of AI as an opportunity to explore this next great frontier where the boundaries between business growth and higher purpose are merging into one, where doing good really is good for business,” says GCash head for data enablement Marah Dimasupil.

As the largest digital ecosystem in the country, GCash continues to stand at the forefront of responsible, fair, and ethical AI usage to help build the financial progress of Filipinos through secure, accessible, and innovative financial solutions.

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Commuters, including tourists, can now use Visa cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu City and Mandaue City.

That after Visa, a world leader in digital payments, collaborated with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider, and GHL, a leading nationwide payment service provider and payment acquirer.

The initiative kicked off today with an official launch ceremony at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI) working in partnership with local transport operators, Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO) and Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC), to launch 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 modern jeepneys in Mandaue City.

The onboard terminals in these vehicles now accept Visa payments. This initiative, part of a pilot project, signifies Visa’s commitment to promoting transit acceptance in the Philippines with plans to expand to more modes of transit in coming years.

“We are thrilled to unveil Visa’s inaugural transit project in the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for daily commuters and tourists in Mandaue City by offering a wider array of payment options. As tourism in the Philippines rebounds, we have observed a growth in inbound tourism and this partnership will make the transit experience more seamless for tourists,” said Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines.

“The future of transit, both globally and within the Philippines, is poised to create inclusivity through open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit, and will be centered around providing commuters with seamless, convenient, and secure payment options,” said Navarro.

In February 2024, Cebu experienced a 69% year-on-year increase in visitors, welcoming 104,439 tourists, according to the Department of Tourism . Meanwhile, Mandaue City, a popular destination in Cebu, recorded 228,472 tourist arrivals between January and September 2022 . With such strong tourism growth, the ability to use Visa cards on public transit significantly enhances convenience, as travelers increasingly prefer secure, contactless digital payments.

Visa’s Global Travel Intentions Study highlights this shift, revealing that 97% of Asia Pacific travelers plan to use card payments (credit, debit, or prepaid) on their trips, while only 17% intend to carry foreign currency (cash) .

Brezhnev Tero, CEO, Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), said, “We are proud to partner with Visa and GHL to bring the first-of-its-kind contactless payment solution to the Philippines’ transport sector through our Transport Mobility Solution, the Bus Revenue Tracker System (BRTS). This groundbreaking collaboration not only revolutionizes fare collection with enhanced efficiency and security but also redefines the commuter experience. By leading the way in transport innovation, we are making every journey smoother, faster, and more convenient, setting a new standard for public transport in the country.”

Jay Tirona, CEO, GHL Systems Philippines Inc, said: “This partnership is an exciting example of how technology and digital innovation in payments can come together positively for the private and public sectors, and ultimately, for the benefit of Filipinos who ride these jeepneys every day. These efficiencies drive social and economic change and we need to start with a focused approach, which I believe will eventually and inevitably be adapted across public transport systems nationwide.”

Faster and more seamless travel through a cashless, open-loop system

The rapid urbanization across Asia Pacific, with 120,000 people moving to cities daily, has underscored the need for efficient public transit systems. Governments, including the Philippines, are investing in these systems as part of their strategies to mitigate road congestion, with a focus on simplifying public transit payments and increasing digital payment options.

Visa’s Global Urban Mobility survey found that 58% of commuters favor a unified payment method for all transport modes, as currently half of them use four or more different methods each month . Meanwhile, another Visa survey showed that implementing open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit agencies creates a faster, safer, and more hygienic payment experience. Such a system promotes inclusivity and accessibility in public transit, even for those without access to traditional banking services, with modern payment systems simplifying fare processes for transit agencies, reducing costs and mitigating financial risks.

“With Visa making access to payments more inclusive, we are glad to be moving the needle in embracing innovative systems such as the open-loop payment system which significantly enhances the commuting experience for all,” Navarro added. “This approach not only makes urban mobility more efficient and secure but ensures that everyone, especially those underserved by traditional banking services, has access to seamless and reliable public transportation.”

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Lechon houses from all over Cebu will compete at The Mactan Newtown during the Cebu Lechon Festival happening from August 30 to September 1.

Organizers announced that the competition for the inaugural Best Lechonero Award will gather entries from the different towns of Cebu Province, especially from lechon hotspots like the cities of Carcar, Talisay, Lapu-Lapu and Cebu.

Apart from bragging rights of being the best lechonero, the winners will go home with the following prizes: P20,000 for the Champion, P10,000 for first place, and P5,000 for 2nd place.

Celebrity Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, a Cebuano, will also be holding a lechon pairing session and live cooking demonstration on August 31.

Culinary students will also be in competition in the Paksiw Wars, a contestr on who can prepare the tastiest lechon paksiw, a dish made from leftover lechon.

The Cebu Lechon Festival is one of the most anticipated culinary events in Lapu-Lapu City. It is held at the Mactan Alfresco inside The Mactan Newtown, Megaworld’s 30-hectare integrated township in Lapu-Lapu City.

The event is popular with both locals and tourists. During the festival, foot traffic goes up from the regular 24,000 people daily to 35,000, organizers said during the press conference.

A highlight of the event will be the live lechon roasting, said The Mactan New Town General Manager Therese Alonzo. She said this year’s live roasting will have more participants from the top lechon names in Cebu.

Alonzo said the event brings together food and tourism and they have the full support of the Lapu-Lapu City Government.

The Grand Food Bazaar will also feature not just the top lechon varieties but other Cebuano delicacies, organizers said. Each night during the festival, a fireworks display will entertain people in the area.

“Championing the heritage and culture of places where we are present is a big part of what we do at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Cebu has a lot to offer given its rich history and being a hotbed for culinary discoveries,” Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Head Graham M. Coates said in a press statement.

“Mre than shining the spotlight on Cebu lechon, this annual festival is also an opportunity to endear and immerse tourists to the unique and colorful Cebuano culture,” Coates added.

The post Who’s the best lechonero in Cebu? We’ll find out at the Cebu Lechon Festival appeared first on MyCebu.ph: Re/Discover Cebu.

WordPress is an excellent option if you’re looking for a content management system (CMS) to build your business website. Many businesses use WordPress due to its user-friendly tools, affordability, and range of business themes and plugins that can enhance a website’s appearance and performance.

However, to maximize your WordPress usage, you have to improve your website’s SEO and have it work in tandem with the CMS. Doing so will allow you to increase your website’s online visibility and improve its rankings, which can help boost your website traffic, conversion rates, and revenue.

Hiring a company that offers professional SEO services will provide you with the best results. Nevertheless, you can optimize your website yourself by following SEO best practices for WordPress websites. Here are a few you should consider to improve your website’s SEO using WordPress.

Make sure your website is visible to search engines

By default, WordPress enables a setting that lets site owners discourage search engines from indexing their websites. This feature is useful during the development phase because it prevents search engines from indexing your unfinished or unpolished website. However, once your website is ready for the public, it’s crucial to make sure this setting is disabled.

Leaving it enabled will keep your website hidden from search engines, so even when it’s well-optimized, it won’t appear in search results. Fortunately, disabling this feature is easy. Simply navigate to your WordPress dashboard, go to “Settings,” then “Reading,” and uncheck the box labeled “Discourage search engines from indexing this site” is unchecked.

Install an SSL certificate

Having a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate is vital for improving your website’s SEO performance and security. SSL certificates encrypt data transmitted between your website and its visitors, ensuring that sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details are protected from potential hackers. Google has prioritized website security in its ranking algorithm, and installing an SSL certificate can positively impact your site’s visibility in search results.

To install an SSL certificate, you first need to obtain one. However, if you’re using WordPress to host your website, you don’t have to get one. WordPress.com-hosted sites come with SSLs free of charge and are automatically installed on their respective websites. If you aren’t hosting your website on WordPress, you can purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority.

Once you have the certificate, you can install it via your hosting provider’s control panel, typically found under the security or SSL/TLS settings. After installation, you need to ensure that all traffic to your website is redirected from HTTP to HTTPS. This can be achieved by updating your WordPress settings and modifying your .htaccess file.

Exclude low-value content from indexing

Excluding low-value content from indexing is an important practice for maintaining a high-quality website in the eyes of search engines. Low-value content includes pages that don’t contribute to the overall value of your site, such as admin pages, duplicate content, tag archives, and thin content pages. By preventing search engines from indexing these pages, you ensure that they focus on your high-value content and improve your site’s overall SEO performance.

One effective way to manage this is through the use of a robots.txt file. This file, located in the root directory of your WordPress site, tells search engine crawlers which pages or files they should not access. For example, you can use the robots.txt file to block access to your wp-admin directory or any other sections that are not meant for public viewing. Properly configuring this file can prevent search engines from wasting their crawl budget on irrelevant parts of your site. Additionally, regularly auditing your content to identify and address low-value pages is essential. This might involve consolidating or removing thin content, improving the quality of outdated posts, and ensuring that your content provides real value to your audience.

Create SEO-friendly permalinks

Permalinks, or permanent URLs, are the web addresses used to link to specific pages or posts on your site. Well-structured permalinks not only enhance user experience but also contribute to better search engine rankings by providing clear and descriptive URLs.

By default, WordPress generates permalinks that include query strings and post IDs, which can be less informative and not very SEO-friendly. To improve this, you should customize your permalinks to include relevant keywords and a clear hierarchy. Navigate to your WordPress dashboard, go to “Settings,” and then “Permalinks” to choose a more descriptive permalink structure. The “Post name” option is often recommended as it includes the title of the post or page, making it easier for both search engines and users to understand what the content is about.

Incorporating relevant keywords into your permalinks can further boost your SEO efforts. For example, if you are writing a blog post about SEO best practices, a permalink like: yourdomain.com/seo-best-practices is more descriptive and keyword-rich than yourdomain.com/?p=123. This helps search engines to better understand the topic of your content and improves the likelihood of your pages ranking for relevant search queries.

Use an SEO-friendly theme

Choosing an SEO-friendly theme for your WordPress website is crucial because it lays the groundwork for optimizing your site’s performance and improving search engine rankings. An SEO-friendly theme has qualities that search engines, particularly Google, prioritize. These qualities include fast-loading sites, mobile responsiveness, clean semantics and coding, as well as customizability.

To find SEO-friendly themes on WordPress, start by exploring the official WordPress theme repository. Look for themes that are highly rated and have good reviews from users, as these often indicate a higher quality and better performance. Additionally, check the themes’ respective documentation and support options to ensure that, when you select a theme, it meets your SEO needs and that you can get help if needed.

Applying SEO best practices for your WordPress website is crucial for achieving optimal search engine visibility. With these strategies, you can ensure that your website is well-optimized to thrive in search engine results, driving organic traffic, engaging users, and increasing conversions and sales as a result.

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Learning how to properly manage your finances is the first step to achieving your savings objectives. The safest way to take this first step is to save your money in a deposit account. It’s easily accessible and convenient when you need to do financial transactions with the help of mobile banking apps

Metrobank offers different savings and checking accounts that fit your life goals. To make this even better, the bank is also giving out exclusive rewards for first-time deposit account holders.

Clients opening their first Metrobank savings or checking account until September 30, 2024, and placing a minimum deposit of P25,000 will receive P500 worth of Lazada vouchers.

Check out these Metrobank Savings and Checking Accounts and see which best fits your needs:

Account for your daily budget needs: Metrobank Savings Account with a Debit Card.
This savings account comes in handy for your daily expenses, as it lets you easily withdraw cash in times of need with your Metrobank Debit card. Metrobank also offers exclusive deals throughout the year for its debit card holders that lets you make the most out of every purchase.

Have your account record ready on-hand: Metrobank Savings Account with Passbook

This savings account with a passbook is suited to those who prefer to bank in person, or who want a physical record of their financial activities. This secure deposit account is ideal if you are saving up for something big like a family vacation or making a big purchase like a car or a home.

Issue checks for big purchases or scheduled release of payments: Metrobank Checking Account

This checking account is optimal when you’re planning to make big purchases as it enables easier and more secure disbursement for a large amount of funds. This is ideal for paying for your rent or settling financial obligations. A checking account also comes with a debit card to make other transactions more convenient.

Have all financial tools to manage your account: Metrobank AccountOne

This versatile account is ideal for your different savings goals. It provides account holders the benefits of a debit card, a passbook, and a checkbook, for maximum convenience.

Opening an account with Metrobank is easy, just bring your photo and signature-bearing ID, as well as your initial deposit amount to the nearest Metrobank branch.

Once your savings account opening is successful and you’re able to deposit at least P25,000 in your account, you will receive your Lazada voucher reward via email within 7 banking days. All that’s left to do is to redeem the voucher code within the Lazada website or mobile app, and it will immediately be credited to your Lazada Wallet balance.

Whether you’re planning to open an account for your emergency funds, or you’re saving up for your next big purchase, Metrobank has the right savings account that meets your needs. And now, opening a new savings or checking account not only lets you manage your finances better – it just got rewarding too!

Find out more about Metrobank’s savings and checking accounts, visit metrobank.com.ph.

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PLDT Enterprise and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) brought their eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar to Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bohol Province and Tiktok Shop Philippines.

“We recognize the crucial role that MSMEs play in our economy. Through our eBiznovation program, we’re not just providing digital tools; we’re empowering these businesses with the knowledge and skills to leverage technology effectively, including cutting-edge AI solutions. This initiative is proof of our commitment to support MSMEs and drive digital transformation across the Philippines,” said Jinky Q. Francisco, Head of PLDT Enterprise SMBiz–Visayas and Mindanao.

Over 70 MSMEs participated in the comprehensive upskilling sessions covering basic marketing and branding concepts, viral content creation, smartphone photography and videography, internet safety, and various techniques for selling on the Tiktok platform.

Participants were also introduced to easy and efficient AI-powered productivity tools tailored for business applications, enhancing their operational efficiency and competitiveness.

Vierna Teresa Ligan, Provincial Director of DTI Bohol Province, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “Today marks a significant milestone as we harness the power of technology and innovation to revolutionize the way we engage in e-commerce. In today’s digital age where connectivity and creativity intersect, Tiktok has emerged as a dynamic platform where trends are born, and businesses thrive. DTI Bohol’s partnership with PLDT Enterprise and Smart underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving digital economy.”

This support for MSMEs nationwide is aligned with the PLDT Group’s overall thrust to help the Philippines achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through equipping local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with essential digital skills and AI tools to thrive the evolving e-commerce landscape. (Press Release)

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Natural language processing (NLP) is a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on the interaction between computers and humans through natural, everyday language. Specifically, it aims to empower machines to understand, interpret, and generate human language.

More than contributing to routine task automation, NLP plays a central part in uncovering insights from vast amounts of text data, allowing more informed decision-making, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. Modern businesses that are eager to leverage the benefits of data science must familiarize themselves with how this machine learning technology impacts their efforts. Specifically, NLP plays a role in the following areas:

Text data analysis

The global reliance on digital technology has made it possible for individuals and organizations alike to collect and store a great deal of information in text form. This includes emails, social media posts, customer reviews, articles, and more. NLP enables data scientists to process and analyze unstructured text data effectively. Through techniques like tokenization, part-of-speech tagging, and named entity recognition, NLP transforms raw text into structured data that can be analyzed. This capability allows businesses to extract valuable insights from text data, such as understanding customer sentiment, identifying market trends, and monitoring brand reputation.

Automation

NLP is an enabler of automation, which is one of its key functions in the field of data science. By making it possible to carry out automation, this technology significantly reduces the time it takes to carry out sentiment analysis, topic categorization, and spam detection, all while eliminating the possibility that human error could interfere with these processes.

Sentiment analysis can be used to automatically gauge the mood of customers from their reviews or social media comments. Topic categorization helps in organizing large volumes of text data into predefined categories, making it easier to manage and retrieve information. Spam detection algorithms, on the other hand, use NLP to filter out irrelevant or harmful content. Businesses that are able to automate these tasks can save time and resources, improve the accuracy and consistency of their data, and offer better customer service.

Enhanced user experience

The ability to understand, interpret, and generate natural human language is crucial to the creation of chatbots and virtual assistants. Using NLP, AI-powered tools can understand and respond to user queries using natural language and offer instant support and information.

For example, a customer service chatbot can handle common inquiries, resolve issues, and even process orders, all without human intervention. This not only speeds up response times but also ensures 24/7 availability. Meanwhile, virtual assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant use NLP to help users with tasks such as setting reminders, searching for information, and controlling smart home devices.

Information retrieval

Search engines and recommendation systems heavily rely on NLP to understand and process user queries. When a user inputs a query, NLP techniques are used to interpret the intent and context, making it possible for the system to provide relevant results.
For example, e-commerce platforms use NLP to recommend products based on user searches and preferences, while content-based recommendation systems analyze user behavior and preferences to suggest articles, videos, or other content. This enhances the user experience by delivering personalized and relevant information.

Language translation

Tools like Google Translate use advanced NLP algorithms to translate text and speech in real time. The technology breaks down language barriers and allows businesses to operate on a global scale. Companies, in turn, can utilize this functionality when communicating with international clients, partners, and customers. Multinational businesses can also use NLP-driven translation services to localize their content and effectively become accessible to diverse audiences. This can expand their reach while also enhancing their brand image and customer relationships in different markets, solidifying their global presence.

Data cleaning

Data cleaning is a critical step in data science, and NLP techniques play a vital role in this process, especially for text data. Unstructured text data often contains noise, such as typos, slang, and irrelevant information, all of which can affect the quality of analysis. NLP tools help in preprocessing text data by using techniques like text normalization, stopword removal, and lemmatization to remove noise, correct errors, and standardize formats. These help ensure that the data is clean and ready to be utilized to make precise predictions and guide business decisions.

Predictive analytics

By examining text data, NLP can contribute significantly to predictive analytics. For example, analyzing news articles and social media posts can help predict stock market trends. Customer reviews and feedback can be parsed to forecast product demand and sales. NLP techniques like sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and text classification enable data scientists to identify patterns and trends within the text data, which can be used to make predictions. Similarly, businesses can use this information to anticipate market movements, customer behavior, and potential risks. In short, leveraging NLP for predictive analytics can give companies a competitive edge and allow them to be proactive and strategic in their decision-making.

It’s a must for modern companies to recognize the transformative potential of NLP in data science and how the technology can become even more sophisticated and impactful in the foreseeable future. By keeping a close eye on developments in NLP, businesses can ensure that they will remain competitive and innovative in an increasingly data-driven world.

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RLC Residences proudly announces that Mantawi Residences has earned the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) preliminary certification, the first condo project in Cebu to achieve this honor. This milestone also marks RLC Residences’ debut property in Cebu and its second nationwide to receive this recognition, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable, eco-friendly living.

EDGE, developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is a globally recognized standard for resource-efficient building design. It is awarded to buildings that demonstrate significant reductions in energy, water, and materials consumption compared to conventional buildings. Mantawi Residences has successfully met these stringent criteria, showcasing RLC Residences’ dedication to creating eco-friendly and resilient living spaces.

“We are thankful to IFC for recognizing Mantawi Residences as the first EDGE-certified condo development in Cebu. Since we launched this project last year, we have been very vocal about how we designed this property with the environment in mind. Now, it’s here, and we’re very proud that this development will connect our future homeowners to a sustainable life here in Cebu,” said Stephanie Anne Go, Vice President and Business Development and Design Head of RLC Residences.

“We are equally proud that RLC Residences is the first developer to have an EDGE-certified condo in Cebu with Mantawi Residences. This is truly a remarkable move towards sustainable living and we are proud to be part of your journey in promoting environmentally friendly building practices,” shared Angelo Tan, Country Lead (Climate Business) for the Philippines, Malaysia and the Pacific of IFC.

Frontier of Progress and Sustainability in Cebu

Launched in April 2023, Mantawi Residences is RLC Residences’ premium development in Cebu that is inspired by the late John L. Gokongwei Jr., who grew up in Cebu with his family. The peddler-turned-successful businessman alludes to Cebu as the place where he learned his values in life and realized the true meaning of progress – leading to the establishment of the Gokongwei Group.

Strategically located in the heart of Mandaue City in Cebu, this premium development integrates earth-friendly design solutions that help save water and energy consumption. The project will have its own rainwater harvesting system to collect and recycle rainwater for non-potable use including watering of landscaped areas. Meanwhile, units and common areas will have water-efficient showerheads, faucets, water closets, and bidets installed – all aimed at reducing water consumption by up to 36%.

Additionally, future residents of Mantawi Residences will enjoy energy savings thanks to the sustainable features incorporated within the development. Insulated roof decks and exterior walls are set to be installed in the towers to help lessen heat absorption, while bigger unit windows are designed to balance the lighting and ventilation, which translates to lower energy consumption for air conditioning. Smart energy meters will also be placed on the property to accurately measure power usage and provide real-time information to the power utility, while sensors in the parking areas will be installed to monitor levels of carbon monoxide that will aid in using the car park ventilation system whenever needed while maintaining a good parking area environment. All these and more contribute to the 28% energy savings Mantawi Residences is set to record once it is built.

“This certification underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By achieving EDGE certification for Mantawi Residences, we not only enhance the value of our properties but also contribute to the global effort to combat climate change and promote sustainable development,” adds Go.

For more information about Mantawi Residences, visit rlcresidences.com or follow RLC Residences on Facebook.

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Leading developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) reported that the company’s first-half of the year (H1) revenue surged 24 percent to P11.31 billion from P9.15 billion (adjusted) in the same period last year driven by progress across all segments. This is driven by ongoing construction progress, substantial rise in hotel and leasing revenues, and an increase in new units qualifying for revenue recognition, as well as a one-off lot sale.

CLI’s impressive topline growth during the first 6 months of the year translated into a 24% increase in Parent Net Income, rising from restated figures of P1.37 billion to P1.7 billion.

“Cebu Landmasters is poised to sustain this growth trajectory over the next few years with more projects opening in the coming months and as we further expand to new market areas,” said CLI Chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III.

CLI’s hotel revenue also surged with the addition of two new operating hotels in the first half of the year. Alongside the fully operational 180-room Citadines Cebu City, CLI opened lyf Cebu City (159 rooms) and The Pad Co-Living (156 rooms). Hotel revenue streams are anticipated to grow further with the opening of the 200-room Citadines Bacolod City, the biggest in Bacolod, and is now receiving Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) bookings.

The company’s leasing business also has a robust growth of 42%, driven by higher gross leasable area (GLA), now at 40,575 sqm. This growth followed the turnover of new retail areas such as the new wing of Base Line Center, 38 Park Avenue Retail, and Banilad High Street.

To further drive future financial growth, four new projects valued at PHP 8.3 billion were also successfully launched by CLI in H1. These are Tower 6 of The East Village in Davao, Tower 5 of Casa Mira Towers Palawan, Casa Mira Homes Butuan, and Velmiro Heights Davao.

“There has been steady demand for our residential projects as shown by the fast market absorption of our newly launched developments. Demand continues to outweigh supply in the VisMin regions, with our projects selling out within days after market introduction, such as Velmiro Heights Davao, which fully sold out in practically less than two days after market introduction. This is a clear indicator that we are offering a compelling product priced competitively, for the right market,” Soberano highlighted.

The successful new launches, coupled with sustained demand for CLI projects, resulted in P11.6 billion in reservation sales for the first half of the year, reflecting a 10% increase year-on-year. Notably, 48% of these sales originated from Davao projects, with 66% attributed to the company’s Garden Series targeting the mid-market. CLI achieved a commendable 94% sell-out rate across all projects at different development stages: 97% for completed projects, 94% for ongoing projects, and 81% for newly launched projects.

On April 12, CLI raised P4.28 billion through an oversubscribed preferred shares offering. To date, CLI has invested P6.76 billion in capital expenditures, with 67% allocated to project development and 19% to land acquisition. The company is currently finalizing negotiations for land acquisitions to support its strategic expansions into established and new markets.

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PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) strengthened their digital wellness and child online protection initiatives by holding the Better Today Psychological First Aid (PFA) program in Visayas, in partnership with international sports for development organization Football for Humanity (FFH).

“We at PLDT and Smart are happy to bring our digital wellness initiatives to Visayas and upskill coaches and educators to become more capable first responders to the mental health-related concerns of our Filipino children and youth, especially those who are survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children or OSAEC,” said Marylou B. Gocotano, Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations head at PLDT and Smart. 

In collaboration with FFH, Lapu-Lapu City Social Welfare and Development Office, and Lapu-Lapu City College (LLCC), PLDT and Smart conducted a two-day PFA training for FFH coach-volunteers across Visayas and LLCC faculty members, equipping them with necessary knowledge on the proper ways of providing initial non-intrusive, practical support to individuals experiencing psychological distress. 

Riyan Portuguez, popularly known as Your Millennial Psychologist, facilitated the training. Participants learned how to identify people’s basic needs and listen to their distress, as well as basic referral techniques and self-care reminders. 

“FFH is honored to partner with PLDT and Smart, LGU Lapu-Lapu City, and millennial psychologist Riyan Portuguez so that we can all work towards being more “whole” individuals, who are ready to help our families, colleagues and friends in their journey to wholeness.  Life is always challenging us, and the PFA training gives us more confidence to be more sensitive and authentic coaches, teachers, parents and friends,” said Belle Tiongco, FFH Vice President and Co-founder. 

The session also included a talk on understanding trauma conducted by Restore Children and Family Services, a nonprofit organization that gives support for young trauma victims, to further explain the possible causes and results of traumatic experiences and how to provide trauma-informed care. 

“Through this workshop, I was able to assess my ways of providing PFA to my players and other coaches. Glad to know that there are appropriate approaches that I am already practicing. This is a good way to improve ourselves and be better PFA providers in our community,” said Peter Lim, FFH coach from Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. 

PLDT and Smart’s effort to deploy programs designed to uplift and improve the mental and overall digital wellness of Filipinos is part of the group’s commitment to help the Philippines contribute to UNSDG No. 3 on good health and well-being.

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GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, showcased its innovations, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), to unlock more financial opportunities for Filipinos and to protect them from cybercriminals.

Speaking at the Manila Tech Summit organized by Fintech Alliance PH, with the theme, “AI Unlocked: Shaping Our Digital Future,” G-Xchange President and CEO Ren-Ren Reyes underscored the transformative power of AI in allowing GCash to do good on its mission of making Filipinos’ everyday lives better.

“GCash is not just a financial tool but a catalyst for empowerment,” stated Reyes, pointing out that GCash has paved the way for financial inclusion for all Filipinos, evolving from being a life hack during the pandemic to growing into the Philippines’ first duacorn to reaching all Filipinos around the world, providing financial services wherever they may be.

This tremendous growth bodes well for the utilization of AI in creating a digitally inclusive financial ecosystem for all Filipinos.

“AI-driven innovations fuel the creation of new products. AI-powered credit scoring opens more opportunities for GCash customers. AI-reinforced security allows us to protect our customers even better,” Reyes explained as he unveiled the ways in which GCash is optimizing AI.

One of the most common ways of utilizing AI is to automate processes for operational efficiency, allowing an organization’s skilled workforce to focus on higher-value job activities. To this point, GCash has launched chatbots to address common user concerns. These chatbots include GIGI, a real-time, interactive customer service chatbot, operating 24/7, and GINA, a lending collections agent.

Beyond automating processes, AI can unlock opportunities. There are use cases of how AI can enable financial inclusion, as in the case of alternative credit scoring. Such is the case of GScore, which reflects how active a user is in using GCash’s products and features. This allows GCash to score a user’s creditworthiness, enabling them to avail more financial solutions to support their financial needs or goals.

AI can also be a tool for learning, enhancing the financial literacy of a GCash user. GCoach AI is an interactive solution that users can turn to for money-related tips and advice, enabling them to take control of their financial future.

The opportunities unlocked by AI are not just limited to individuals—AI creates opportunities for business innovation as well. GCash has implemented marketing tech solutions, allowing its business partners to reach audiences with the right message at the right place and at the right time.

Moreover, maintaining user trust and security is another area that AI can be useful in, as it can be employed in risk management to identify and mitigate potential threats. GCash’s Scam Score prevents scamming by scoring registered GCash accounts on their likelihood to be scammers, based on intrinsic Know Your Customer (KYC) attributes and behavioral data.

All these AI-driven solutions are founded on the use of responsible data and AI. “We at GCash have developed our own Responsible AI and Ethics Principles to ensure that our decisions are rooted toward ensuring equity for users,” explained Reyes. “We have drafted an AI Ethics Charter, launched a GCash-wide Good Data for Good series, and conducted moral imagination workshops for our employees. We are committed to creating a positive and sustainable impact on our users.”

Reyes is optimistic that AI will allow GCash to realize its vision of Finance for All.

“GCash is not just a financial service provider—it is a catalyst for change, a partner for nation-building and a driver of innovation. Every day, we work hard to empower our fellow Filipinos. Together, we are not only building a more financially inclusive society; we are empowering individuals, uplifting communities, and creating opportunities that will pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous Philippines.Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact so we can all ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” Reyes said.

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Globe Business recently brought together the brightest minds and influential leaders from key sectors at GSummit Cebu 2024, held at the Seda Ayala Hotel Sampaguita Ballroom in Cebu City. This is the first time that Globe Business has brought its annual flagship event to a destination beyond the National Capital Region (NCR).

With its theme “CONNECTED,” the premier Globe Business on-ground event highlighted the importance of building strong relationships, exploring how interconnectedness enhanced by new technologies can drive business growth and uplift lives.

GSummit Cebu 2024 showcased an outstanding lineup of speakers led by KD Dizon, VP and Head of Globe Business. In her presentation, “Collaborative Ecosystems: Globe Business Partnerships for Digital Success,” Dizon shared how innovative solutions foster a collaborative environment, empowering companies to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“At its core, a collaborative ecosystem is a dynamic network of internal and external stakeholders working together to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Bringing in technology within this ecosystem elevates workplace dynamics through advanced tools and platforms that enable seamless communication, data sharing, and real-time problem-solving,” Dizon said.

“The collaborative ecosystem at Globe has yielded substantial benefits around improved communication, streamlined processes, and data-driven decision-making. Customer satisfaction has also risen due to more personalized and efficient services enabled by Globe’s advanced analytics and digital solutions,” she added.

Josiah Go, Chairman and Chief Innovation Strategist of Mansmith and Fielders, Inc. shared insights in his keynote entitled Connected Marketing: Driving Sustainable Growth Through Strategic Partnerships, “It is is the capability to do what you need to do for what you lack and so you need somebody else to help you do it. This is most important when digital adoption is needed by a business. Being able to choose trusted and credible partners to trailblaze one’s tech journey is essential in being abreast to new innovations.”

The afternoon breakout track featured “Building Synergy: Streamlining Operations for Sustainable Success.” Participants discussed how building synergy within an organization with AI and cloud-powered solutions can streamline operations for sustainable success. Meanwhile, the “Building Enterprise Growth: Harnessing Martech, Cloud, and Analytics for Business Expansion” track offered insights into leveraging Martech, cloud technologies, and analytics to drive enterprise growth and enhance brand value. The “Resilient Connections: Strengthening Enterprise Security Amid Evolving Threats” track addressed the critical issue of enterprise security, highlighting ways to fortify customer confidence by safeguarding operations against evolving threats.

The sessions presented technology leaders from Globe portfolio companies Inquiro, m360, Adspark, and global names in tech such as Fortinet, Genesys, Huawei, Google, Navagis, Orca, and Snowflake explaining how these powerful technologies can be harnessed to create a robust growth engine for enterprises. There were also engaging booths that featured interactive activities from Samsung, Aruba, and Sprout.

The summit reaffirmed Globe Business’ commitment to understanding customer challenges, providing reliable business-grade connectivity, and partnering with best-in-class providers to support various industry and business needs. This dedication positions Globe Business as the premier partner for business growth, offering cutting-edge innovations and top-tier learning experiences to unlock your full business potential.

To learn more about Globe Business, visit https://glbe.co/globebiz.

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Flying Tigers Express, the Philippines’ fastest air express courier service, made a remarkable entrance into the logistics scene with its soft launch on August 6, 2024.

A game-changer in the logistics industry, Flying Tigers Express offers unmatched same-day and next-day door-to-door deliveries and provides customized solutions that significantly enhance supply chain efficiency.

For businesses, it means products reach their customers quickly and reliably. For consumers, it is about the convenience of fast, secure delivery for any item, anywhere within the service areas.

The launch was held during Symph’s monthly Tech Listens, gathering a diverse crowd of eCommerce entrepreneurs, online store owners, business professionals, and eager consumers. Symph, is a software development company that specializes in custom software development, UI/UX design, AI Solutions, and business strategy. They play a vital role in Flying Tigers Express as their CEO and Founder Dave Overton is also the Chief Technology Officer of the courier service.

For the special occasion, the event carried the theme “Tech Listens: Flying Tigers Express on Accelerating Philippine eCommerce and Logistics.” It served as a platform for industry leaders and tech enthusiasts to provide insights into the latest trends, technologies, and strategies transforming logistics and eCommerce.

Attendees were treated to an in-depth presentation by Jover Alforque, Co-Founder and CEO of Flying Tigers Express, who shared how the company is reshaping the logistics landscape in the Philippines.

One of the event’s highlights was a dynamic panel discussion featuring Alforque, COO Jon Gotiong, and CTO Dave Overton. The discussion, titled “Philippine Logistics and the Market Opportunities for Flying Tigers Express,” offered valuable perspectives on the current challenges and future opportunities in the industry, positioning Flying Tigers Express as a leader in the evolving logistics market.

Flying Tigers Express is already making its mark, delivering across 50 cities during its soft launch phase. The company aims to expand its reach to service every major city in the country later this year, doubling or even tripling its current coverage.

Ready to experience the future of logistics? Book your delivery today by visiting https://flyingtigers.express/ or downloading the mobile app at https://sym.ph/flyingtigersexpress.

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The Philippines’ trailblazing digital bank, Tonik, announces its expansion to Cebu, bringing its full suite of customer-centric and innovative products to this vibrant region. This move underscores Tonik’s vision to enhance financial inclusivity and provide accessible banking solutions to more Filipinos.

With this expansion, customers in Cebu can now access the complete range of Tonik’s products and services, including the highly anticipated Shop Installment Loan, previously available only in Luzon retailers. 

The Shop Installment Loan is a standout feature in Tonik’s suite of lending products, enabling customers to effortlessly purchase their dream home appliances and gadgets with the lowest* monthly payments.

At a recent media launch, Greg Krasnov, Founder and President of Tonik, shared the bank’s excitement about expanding into the Queen City of the South. “Our goal has always been to democratize banking and provide innovative solutions that cater to the everyday needs of Filipinos. With the rollout of the Shop Installment Loan in this beautiful region, we believe we are taking a significant step towards achieving that goal.”

Consumer Lending Leader

Tonik’s expansion into Cebu is also a part of its broader strategy to revolutionize the banking industry in the Philippines. With Cebu being the second largest market for financial services in the country, the development is expected to push the bank’s growth and sustain the growth of Tonik’s Point of Sale (POS) network. 

This year alone, the digital bank has grown its POS network by 5x, solidifying its position as #1 creditled digital bank, and leader in consumer lending growth in the Philippines.

Residents of Cebu can now enjoy the Shop Installment Loan, along with the readily available highinterest savings accounts, bills payments, quick and easy loans, and a seamless mobile banking experience, all designed to empower them to manage their finances more efficiently and securely.

The Shop Installment Loan will initially be available at select retailers, with plans to expand to more stores by Q4 2024.

Tonik looks forward to serving the locals and contributing to their financial well-being, continuing its commitment to transforming the financial landscape in the country. 

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PLDT Home is revolutionizing family connectivity with its new Fiber Unli All Plan1399. This plan has unlimited mobile calls and double internet speeds, ensuring everyone stays connected effortlessly.

PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plans now have enhanced Unli Fam Call, a feature that lets the whole family enjoy free calls and texts from mobile to mobile, unlimited calls from mobile to landline, landline to landline, and landline to mobile. To enjoy this feature, customers cannominate five (5) Smart or TNT numbers as part of the Unli Fam Call.

The Fiber Unli All 1399 deliver sspeeds of up to 100 Mbps, whichis twice as fast as the previous plan at 50 Mbps.

The Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 delivers great value for money – combiningin one bundle a family calling circle and high-speed internet with unlimited Cignal TV– which allows customers to enhance their lifestyle while spending less for their digital services.

Keeping Family Connected

What’s great about the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans–theycome in two value-packed optionsto suit the size and needs of thehousehold. The average Filipino household is estimated to have four members, but no two homes have the same internet requirements. Families with young children and teenagers may require more bandwidth for their online leisure activities, while households with work-from-home set up and multiple smart devices may demand higher internet bandwidth.

There are two Fiber Unli All options – the enhanced PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 now at 100 Mbps and Plan 1799 at 200 Mbps. Now customers have more options best suited to their whole family’s internet usage.

PLDT HomeFiber Unli All Plans ensure that Filipino households get the most value for their money by having the right services that they need for the whole family.

The bundle offers endless entertainment from CignalTV’s diverse array of viewing options. With access to a vast selection of channels—including popular movies, TV shows, sports, and kids’ programming—there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Whether it’s movie night for the singles in their condo, or a family catching up on the latest sports events like the Olympic Games Paris 2024, or keeping the kids entertained with their favorite cartoons and educational shows, Cignal TV guarantees that all members of the household stay engaged and entertained.

PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans arereally designed to keep the whole family connected.To check out the new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans, visit this link.

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What’s on the minds of C-suite leaders now? Accenture’s latest quarterly global “Pulse of Change” survey of 2,800 C-suite leaders in 18 countries and nearly 20 industries, provides a timely snapshot into leaders’ views on top issues facing business leaders—today and over time.

Accenture conducts this C-suite survey to gauge how business, technology and talent issues are impacting their organizations. The new research is based on a survey fielded in May 2024.

Key insights from C-suites globally include:

• C-suite leaders are not necessarily more optimistic about revenue growth for the remainder of the year, but more of them now anticipate achieving it. The percentage expecting faster revenue growth fell slightly since March (66% vs 77%)—however, 91% expect to see revenue growth, up from 85%.
• While most C-suite leaders still see Gen AI as a revenue driver (65% vs. 76% six months ago), a growing share also recognize its potential for cost savings (35% vs. 24% six months ago). The survey also found that larger companies tend to reap more benefits from Gen AI, possibly due to their data and transformation capabilities.
• Talent issues are cited by nearly 50% of C-suite leaders as the top drivers of their tech investments. Yet nearly 90% say their orgs need “significant adjustments” or a “total transformation” of their reskilling strategy given the emergence of Gen AI. Additionally, only 41% believe their board of directors has the level of proficiency needed to make tech-related decisions that affect their company’s future
• C-suite leaders again rank keeping up with advancements in tech and innovation as their No. 1 concern (52%). At the bottom of the list are “increased geopolitical tensions” (31%) and “economic uncertainty” (30%). When asked what emerging tech they anticipate will have the most impact on their industries over the next year, “IoT, Edge Computing, and 5G Networks” hit the top spot at nearly 30%.

Meanwhile, findings from the Asia Pacific showed:

• 58% of all executives surveyed are expecting up to 5% growth in their Asia-Pacific Markets.
• 76% of C-suite leaders view GenAI as beneficial to revenue growth and 24% are seeing cost reduction opportunities in GenAI investments.
• GenAI impact on customer strategy:
  # 48% believe that integrating GenAI has completely influenced company’s customer strategy, retention and acquisition.
  # More than half or 53% of C-suite leaders fully believe that their organizations’ investments in technology are improving customer relationships.
  # 52% believe that GenAI impacted customer strategy by automating customer service tasks using chatbots that can interact with customer real-time
  # 51% view GenAI playing a role in helping organizations better measure customer satisfaction and gather feedback.
• Talent remains as the top driver for tech investments such as GenAI.
  # Employee retention and addressing skills shortages are cited by nearly half (or 47%) of C-suite leaders as the top drivers of their tech investments.
  # Nearly 90% say organizations need moderate- needing some adjustments (56%) while a third (31%) need complete transformation of reskilling strategy.
  # 52% believe that organizations have all the right talent and skills to secure their GenAI tools.
• In Asia Pacific, C-Suite leaders face several challenges when using and implementing Gen AI, with cloud infrastructure as a top challenge. Explainability around the ‘black box’ nature of AI to stakeholders and driving transformation across skills, technology and processes were also cited as challenges.

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Ayala Center Cebu (ACC) strengthened its commitment to its corporate social responsibility by partnering with Guun Co., Ltd., a company that produces “fluff fuel,” an alternative fuel source made from residual waste used mainly for cement. With the assistance of Guun, it is the goal of ACC to shift to a more sustainable waste management solution to reduce the volume of waste production and to segregate and collect residual waste. It is the goal of ACC and Guun t​​o help each other navigate the challenges and effects of business operations in line with renewable practices, particularly in the face of the climate crisis.

This partnership started on August 1, 2024.

Sustainability has always been one of the strongest guiding principles of Ayala Land, with Ayala Center Cebu being a member of its estate. This approach is crucial in the innovation and implementation of effective economic, environmental, and social management systems that ACC hopes would reduce its carbon footprint amidst its wide scale operations.

Ayala Center Cebu recognizes the severity of material use and waste generation in mall operations and the role it plays in climate action; thus, the company is in continuous engagement with partners who share the same vision in developing sustainable practices. This includes using resources efficiently, and reducing, redirecting, and properly disposing biodegradable, recyclable, residual, and special waste in their operations.

With this current partnership, Guun and Ayala Center Cebu aim to reduce carbon emissions across all developments, products, and services and create and sustain corporate policies that would ultimately benefit the environment.

With the goal of enacting positive change by shifting to a more sustainable waste management system, Ayala Center Cebu is looking forward to building a stronger customer trust, to raising awareness, and to encouraging social change.

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Virtual assistance is among the fastest-growing career types today, in the era of digital and cross-border business. There are many local job openings available to aspiring virtual assistants or VAs, for example through business process outsourcing (BPO) companies based in the Philippines, but a good few calls can also come from clients or employers who are based abroad.

It may seem particularly exciting for you to land a virtual assistant position, given that it’s a dynamic and flexible role that could significantly grow your career. You may also be able to enjoy great earning potential from this type of job, especially if you work with foreign clients. The role is not without its challenges, however, and if you start this particular type of job without a plan, it may become harder and harder to manage your responsibilities.

To that end, here are some necessary preparations you should make so that you can be both productive and happy in your new role:

1) Get a Better Understanding of Your Exact Role and Responsibilities

Virtual assistance is no different from other types of jobs in that a comprehensive understanding of what the job entails will make you both more confident and competent at it. Knowing that many VAs operate within particular niches (for example real estate or retail), you should be able to understand your exact role and responsibilities so that you can perform your tasks more efficiently.

Common roles and responsibilities of a virtual assistant, regardless of their niche or specialization, often include managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling social media accounts, conducting research on a broad range of topics, and performing data entry tasks. However, you might also be responsible for creating and maintaining your client’s documents and spreadsheets, organizing their digital files, making their travel arrangements, and handling the customer service end for their business. Clarify these duties with your employer so that you can keep preparing both mentally and practically for the work that you’ll do.

2) Create a Productive Workspace

Since virtual assistant roles are typically work from home jobs, it will also be important for you to design a workstation at home that enhances your focus. This could be a separate room, a quiet corner in your studio apartment, or other designated area where you can focus on your tasks without interruptions. Make sure this space is solely for work purposes so that you can create a clear boundary between your professional and personal life.

To make your workspace more conducive to your VA tasks, consider investing in ergonomic furniture. A comfortable chair that supports your posture, a desk at the right height, and proper lighting can make a significant difference in your productivity.

Next, ensure you have all the necessary equipment and supplies within reach. This includes your computer or laptop, a reliable internet connection, a headset and microphone for virtual meetings, and any other tools specific to your tasks.
Keeping your workspace organized and clutter-free will also help you stay focused and efficient. Use organizers, shelves, or drawers to store your supplies neatly and keep your desk surface clean.

Finally, do what you can to minimize distractions from your VA work. If possible, choose a location away from high-traffic areas in your home. If you’re living with other people, communicate with your family or housemates about your work hours and the importance of maintaining a quiet environment during those times. Use noise-canceling headphones if you need to block out background noise, and ask for recommendations from your employer regarding the best productivity apps or tools to use.

3) Gather Tools and Software That Are Necessary for Your Job

As a VA, you’ll likely require a wide range of tools and software to perform your duties efficiently. Along with the basics mentioned above, you’ll want to stay updated on the communication tools your employer prefers, which may include specific email clients, chat applications, or video conferencing software.

Task management tools are also among a VA’s best friends, as they can help keep track of deadlines and progress. Your employer may also rely on you to manage file-sharing and cloud storage solutions to properly organize and facilitate access to important documents. Learn how to use such tools to store, share, and collaborate on files with your employer and team members in real time.

In addition, you might also need specialized software that’s designed for the nature of your tasks, or you may have to demonstrate a high level of proficiency for a particular type of tool. For instance, if your role involves handling spreadsheets, you’ll want to be both familiar and confident with various spreadsheet applications. If you’re responsible for managing social media accounts, get comfortable with social media management tools that allow you to schedule posts, monitor engagement, and analyze performance metrics for your client.

4) Create a Contingency Plan in Case of Emergencies

Even with the best preparation, unforeseen circumstances—such as power outages, internet service interruptions, computer malfunctions, and personal emergencies—can arise in the middle of your workday. As such, you and your employer should have a contingency plan in place for maintaining productivity and meeting the latter’s expectations even when things go wrong. For power outages and internet interruptions, employ backup solutions like a portable charger for your devices and a mobile hotspot or alternative internet source.

You may also want to invest in a backup computer or device, which will be useful across many applications. If your primary computer fails, having a secondary device ready to go will allow you to continue working with minimal downtime. Keep essential software and documents accessible from this backup device, either through cloud storage or by regularly updating your backup with the latest files.

In case of personal emergencies, establish a communication plan with your employer. Inform them of the situation as soon as possible and provide an estimated timeline for when you’ll be back online. It’s also best practice to keep a list of contact information for key colleagues or clients if you’ll need to delegate tasks or notify others of your absence.

5) Organize Your Schedule

Effective time management is crucial for any virtual assistant, given the often diverse and demanding nature of the tasks you’ll be handling. Prepare to become a master of organizing your schedule, as this is key to managing your workload efficiently, meeting your deadlines, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Create a daily and weekly schedule that outlines your tasks and priorities. Use a digital calendar or planner to block out time for specific activities, such as responding to emails, attending virtual meetings, completing administrative tasks, and taking breaks. Breaking your day into manageable chunks can also help you stay focused and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by a long to-do list.

Finally, don’t forget to schedule regular breaks throughout your day. Regular breaks are essential for maintaining long-term productivity and preventing burnout. You’ll be surprised at how effective they’ll be at rejuvenating your mind and energizing you for your return to work. Use your breaks to stretch, take a quick walk, have a snack, or simply step away from your workspace.

Properly preparing for your job as a virtual assistant will not only enhance your effectiveness in your new role, but also demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and reliability to everyone you work with. These tips should position you to excel in your new job and contribute meaningfully to both your employer’s bottom line and your own career growth.

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Property giant Megaworld reported robust financial performance for the first half of 2024. The company achieved a net income of P9.81-billion during the first half, marking an 11% increase from the same period last year. Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent company grew 9% year-on-year to P8.55-billion.

Consolidated revenues soared 22% year-on-year to P39.10-billion, highlighting the strong performance and resilience across the company’s diverse business segments.

Real estate business leads the company’s strong performance during the first half of the year. Real estate sales reached P24.82-billion, posting a 30% increase from the same period last year. This growth was driven by strong bookings and high demand for residential properties in various township developments, particularly in Taguig City, Cavite, Bulacan, Palawan, and Cebu.

During the second quarter of the year, the company launched P18.0-billion worth of residential projects. These include 9 Central Park – West Wing at Northwin Global City in Bulacan, One Portwood Residences at Newport City in Pasay City, CostaVida Residential Resort at The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Lialto Beach and Golf Estates – Phase 1 at Lialto Beach and Golf Estates in Lian, Batangas, and Sonrisa Gardens at Baytown Palawan in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

“We continue to see robust demand for our residential properties outside of Metro Manila. Before the year ends, we hope to launch more projects in the provinces as we remain on track to finish 2024 with 35 townships,” says Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso, president, Megaworld Corporation.

Revenues from Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, meanwhile, soared by 38% to P2.36-billion during the period. The growth was driven by the resurgence of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) activities and local tourism.

In April, no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the capsule laying for the P1.5- billion Mactan Expo Center, the first and only standalone convention center in the entire province of Cebu that features a 2,500-seating capacity ideal for MICE events. Once completed by 2025, it will be managed and operated by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

Just this June, President Marcos also inaugurated the 1,530-room Grand Westside Hotel located at Westside City in Parañaque City. Grand Westside Hotel is the biggest hotel in the Philippines and will provide the much-needed rooms for tourists and the rising demand for MICE events in the area.

Leasing revenues, meanwhile, saw a 6% increase year-on-year during the first half of 2024, reaching P9.33-billion. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls saw revenues increase by a strong 19% to P3.02-billion, driven by higher tenant sales and increased foot traffic. Occupancy rates remained high at 93% as of end-June 2024.

There were several new store openings in various Megaworld Lifestyle Malls across the country covering about 17,400-square meters of space during the first half of the year. Among these was the second SuperPark in the Philippines located at Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill, Taguig City.

Revenues from Megaworld Premier Offices, on the other hand, remained stable at P6.31- billion despite the headwinds faced by the Philippine office industry. During the first six months of the year, the company notched new leases of office spaces totaling about 55,000-square meters, mostly in McKinley Hill, Eastwood City, and The Mactan Newtown.

Occupancy rate across its office developments is at 87%, higher than the current industry average.

During the first half of the year, Megaworld also launched its 32nd township, Lialto Beach and Golf Estates. This expansive 150-hectare development, located in Lian, Batangas, is set to offer a premier living experience, combining beachside living with world-class golf facilities.

Just recently, Megaworld also announced its 33rd township, the 25-hectare integrated active wellness township San Benito Private Estate, which the company will develop in partnership with the group that owns and operates the world-famous, multi-awarded medical wellness resort, The Farm at San Benito.

To date, Megaworld has 33 master-planned integrated urban townships, integrated lifestyle communities, and lifestyle estates spanning over 5,300 hectares across the country, namely: Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, (18.5 hectares); Newport City in Pasay City (25 hectares); McKinley Hill (50 hectares), McKinley West (34.5 hectares), Uptown Bonifacio (15.4 hectares) and Forbes Town (5 hectares), all in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila (3 hectares); The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu (30 hectares); Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City (72 hectares); Sta. Barbara Heights in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo (173 hectares); Boracay Newcoast in Boracay Island (150 hectares); Twin Lakes in Laurel, Batangas near Tagaytay (1,300 hectares); ArcoVia City in Pasig City (12.3 hectares); Southwoods City in the boundaries of Biñan, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite (561 hectares); Davao Park District in Lanang, Davao City (11 hectares); Alabang West in Las Piñas City (62 hectares); Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal (640 hectares); Suntrust Ecotown in Tanza, Cavite (350 hectares); Maple Grove in General Trias, Cavite (140 hectares); The Hamptons Caliraya in Lumban-Cavinti, Laguna (300 hectares); The Upper East (34 hectares) in Bacolod City; Northill Gateway (50 hectares) in the boundaries of Bacolod City and Talisay City in Negros Occidental; Capital Town Pampanga beside the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in the City of San Fernando (35.6- hectares); Westside City in the Entertainment City in Parañaque City (31 hectares); Empire East Highland City in Cainta, Rizal (24 hectares); Arden Botanical Estate in the boundaries of Trece Martires and Tanza, Cavite (251 hectares); Paragua Coastown in San Vicente, Palawan (462 hectares); Northwin Global City in Marilao and Bocaue, Bulacan (85 hectares); Winford Resort Estate in Manila City (3 hectares); Sherwood Hills in Trece Martires, Cavite (340 hectares), Baytown Palawan in Puerto Princesa, Palawan (6 hectares), Lialto Beach and Golf Estates in Lian, Batangas (150 hectares); and San Benito Private Estate (25 hectares) in Lipa, Batangas.

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The Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) regional office in Central Visayas has engaged PLDT Enterprise to provide stable, reliable, and fast internet and voice connectivity to better serve the fastest growing region in the country and one of the top priority areas for infrastructure development.

Dedicated to driving the transformation of the local government units, PLDT Enterprise equips DPWH Region VII with iGate and SIP Trunks, facilitating seamless access and communication across the government agency’s clientele in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor – the constituent provinces of Central Visayas.

Central Visayas ranks as the fourth largest regional economy in the country. It also boasts of numerous tourist destinations and hosts diverse industries, including footwear, ICT-enabled services, electronics manufacturing, marine industry, food processing, as well as houseware and furniture manufacturing.

PLDT Enterprise’s iGate is a dedicated internet access service that provides customers with guaranteed bandwidth and is tailor-fit for running bandwidth-intensive applications, hosting rich-media content, and supporting mission-critical communications. SIP trunks, on the other hand, are telephone lines ported to a different telephone exchange, a service that is best for offices based in geographically dispersed locations that need constant contact.

“We partnered with PLDT Enterprise to ensure that we have a stable and dedicated internet connection for all our online transactions. Through this partnership, we will also have a unified communication system that allows our clients to quickly reach us when they need to and allows us to provide the service they deserve promptly,” said Ernesto Gregorio Jr., former director at the DPWH’s Region VII office who spearheaded the project before his retirement on July 19, 2024.

Regional director Danilo J. Villa Jr., the newly appointed head of DPWH Region VII, pledged to pursue the initiatives of his predecessor as it fosters the Department’s vision, “To build a Smart City that has an effective and efficient government agency that works tirelessly to improve the life of every Filipino through quality infrastructure.”

“We hope to strengthen this partnership across Region VII and, if we are successful, recommend this as a model for other regions,” Villa added.

Kent de la Calzada, PLDT Enterprise Assistant Vice President and Head of Customer Relationship Management for the Visayas, said that the partnership with DPWH Region VII is part of the PLDT Group’s much larger goal of extending a helping hand in nation-building.

“We, at PLDT Enterprise, are committed to helping our customers succeed in their endeavors. And for a government agency like DPWH Region VII, that commitment to succeed is more focused in view of the impact of its various projects on the economy and the lives of the residents of Central Visayas,” said de la Calzada.

PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Dedicated to delivering innovative fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions, PLDT Enterprise enables businesses to adapt to evolving technological needs, optimize efficiency, continuity, and connectivity, and enhance customer experience.

Committed to doing business responsibly, PLDT Enterprise aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by enabling digital transformation, championing meaningful innovations, and bridging the digital divide.

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As the business landscape in the Philippines continues to evolve, so do the payment preferences of consumers. While cash on delivery remains a popular choice among Filipino customers, there’s also a noticeable shift towards digital payments. More consumers are using credit cards, mobile wallets, and online banking for their transactions, partly due to the increasing penetration of smartphones and the internet. These make digital transactions more accessible. Additionally, credit card companies and digital banks help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt to the shift to digital payments by offering robust solutions, like a card terminal that accepts credit cards and other digital payments.

For SMEs, integrating traditional and modern payment methods can help meet the needs of a broader audience. Keeping up with changing consumer payment preferences by accepting credit cards can also increase sales, improve cash flow, and enhance security.

Read on below to further explore the benefits of having a credit card terminal accept credit card payments in your business:

It offers enhanced security

As a modern payment method, one of the most attractive benefits of credit card payments for SMEs is enhanced security. In cases of fraud, credit card transactions are easier to dispute. This is because credit card networks and issuers employ advanced detection systems that can identify suspicious activities and prevent unauthorized transactions. These systems use algorithms and machine learning to analyze transaction patterns and detect anomalies in real time.

This level of security protects customers and helps assure them that their financial information is safe with you. For businesses, this means fewer chargebacks and financial losses due to fraud. Moreover, credit card companies often provide insurance against fraudulent transactions, which further reduces the financial risk for SMEs.

It diversifies payment options

Another benefit of accepting credit cards as a payment option is that it allows businesses to offer a variety of payment methods. When SMEs start accepting credit cards, they attract customers with different preferences for completing their purchases—which can then lead to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Additionally, many customers appreciate the flexibility of choosing a payment method, whether it’s through credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet.

It provides your business with a competitive advantage

SMEs need to find ways to stand out in a competitive market and accepting credit card payments can be one of them. Particularly, offering this payment method gives businesses an edge over competitors who rely solely on cash or even e-wallet transactions. Accepting credit card payments allows businesses to cater to customers who prefer the convenience of card transactions, especially for higher-value purchases.

Moreover, the ability to accept credit cards also makes it easier for SMEs to expand their operations and participate in online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms.

It offers greater convenience for customers

There are some customers who appreciate the convenience that comes with paying with credit cards. Aside from eliminating the anxiety related to carrying enough cash, using a credit card also means they can make larger purchases on the spot. In addition, using credit cards simplifies the checkout process, making it quicker and more efficient. This can lead to higher satisfaction and loyalty, as customers are more likely to return to businesses where they had a positive and hassle-free shopping experience.
Additionally, many customers prefer credit cards for the rewards and benefits they offer, such as cashback, reward points, and travel miles. This can further incentivize spending.

It saves time in processing payments

Credit card transactions are typically faster and more efficient than cash transactions, thus reducing the time customers spend at checkout. Additionally, SMEs can save time on cash management tasks such as counting money, making bank deposits, and handling change. This efficiency allows business owners and staff to focus on other important aspects of their operations, like customer service and inventory management.

Moreover, credit card payments can be processed automatically through point-of-sale systems, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring accurate record-keeping. This automation can also streamline accounting processes, making it easier for businesses to track sales, manage inventory, and generate financial reports.

It improves cash flow

The quick turnaround of credit card transactions also reduces the risk of non-payment or delayed payments. This ensures a steady cash flow for the business. For SMEs, the ability to access funds promptly can make a significant difference in their ability to thrive and expand. Quick access to funds means businesses can reinvest in inventory, pay suppliers on time, and take advantage of new growth opportunities.

The benefits of accepting credit card payments for SMEs in the Philippines are clear. From enhanced security to improved cash flow, integrating credit card transactions with traditional payment methods can provide small businesses with a competitive edge in today’s evolving market. As digital payments continue to rise in popularity, SMEs that embrace these changes will be better positioned to meet the needs of their customers and achieve long-term success.

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Calamities and disasters are just around the corner in a country like the Philippines, which is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and within the typhoon belt.

Although we only have the wet and dry seasons, there are also other factors that affect and influence our weather. Climate change not only brings inconsistent and unprecedented weather but also super typhoons.

When super typhoon Yolanda decimated Tacloban, people were left hoping and praying they would be safe. It was evident that people suffered not just in looking for food but there was also the problem of how to communicate with their families, friends, and relatives after telecommunications towers were down.

During the Handa Pilipinas conference hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) last week, Dr. Toshikazu Sakano introduced to officials from various local government units a solution to deal with the loss of communications during disasters – the Locally Accessible Cloud System (LACS).

He shared his observations that during disasters he saw that what was initially affected were power lines and communications and he did research to deal with this.

His work was a promising innovation helping communities be connected even when telecommunications towers are down. LACS, according to him, is “a tool for communication in disaster-affected areas.” It serves as a local communication tool that operates even when power and telco networks are down, a portable server that delivers cloud services.

LACS is an upgraded version of Movable and Deployable Resource Unit (MDRU), his first innovation. He improved on it by expanding LACS’ capability to offer Internet and cloud services.

LACS is enclosed in an orange attaché case and has its own server, Wi-Fi access point, battery and peripheral devices (network hub and smartphone or tablet).

How LACS Works

In a disaster-affected area where there is power outage and LACS is available, people within that vicinity could still communicate with others using LACS given that each device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network from LACS, and provided the other party is also using LACS in order for both parties to reach each other. Since it provides Internet and cloud services, users can access LACS interfaces similar to that of the interfaces of other services on the Internet.

The LACS interface includes login or user registration, link to homepage, chat, video one-to-one or group communication, feed, and pages.

Once connected, users can exchange messages and browse information.

LACS and all the other innovations presented during the Handa Pilipinas (Visayas Leg) provide us with tools and smart technologies in dealing with calamities and disasters that come our way.

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The P80-million new town center is expected to spur more economic activity in the municipality of Cordova which hosts the iconic Cordova-Cebu Link Expressway (CCLEX), a local official said Wednesday.

Jonkie Ouano, Cebu’s 6th district provincial board member, said the New Cordova Town Center, which was inaugurated on Tuesday, would generate more employment not only for the residents of the municipality but also for its neighboring towns.

Wet and dry goods suppliers and vendors are the predominant sectors expected to benefit more from the project, Ouano said.

“The town will have more income as more entrepreneurs are expected to invest in the new town center. It transforms Cordova into what it takes to be the municipality with its renowned CCLEX,” Ouano told the Philippine News Agency.

He said the facility, previously known as the Cordova Public Market, was funded through a loan from the Department of Budget and Management.

The provincial government also chipped in an additional P12.8 million to make the project materialized.

The three-story structure covering a 1,400-square-meter area in Barangay Poblacion features stalls for the wet market and spaces open for leasing for various businesses.

The center now serves as a vital hub for commerce, spurring economic activity and generating additional employment for the townsfolk.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, Ouano, and 6th District Rep. Daphne Lagon attended the inauguration. (PNA)

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National Artist Ryan Cayabyab will perform at the Waterfront Cebu City Pacific Grand Ballroom on August 3, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The Dinner Concert for A Cause is hosted by the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society – Cebu Chapter (POGS Cebu) to raise funds for their POGS Cebu Women & Children Protection Program (WCPP).

In their press conference on July 22 at Waterfront Hotel, POGS Cebu announced their Dinner Concert for A Cause with Ryan Cayabyab as the main performer. He will also be joined by the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, a 7-person ensemble, and Cebuana pianist-singer-songwriter Kate Torralba, who studied with Cayabyab.

The dinner concert aims to raise money for POGS Cebu Women & Children Protection Program (WCPP). The program aims to provide assistance for women and children who are victims of abuse.

POGS Cebu is a society of Cebu-based ObGyns committed to championing the reproductive health of women in Cebu. Their advocacy for the compassionate care of the Cebuana spans decades and includes several concerns such as maternal-fetal well-being, adolescent health, and women’s cancer awareness, among many others.

They created the Women and Children Protection Committee (WCPC) in the hopes of addressing increasing societal concerns about domestic abuse.

Doctors Carmina Alferez and Mary Beth de los Santos answered questions regarding the Women and Children Program. They said that there have been reports of 18,000 instances of domestic violence but felt this was severely underreported.

The WCPC’s program aims to offer preventative, acute care, and rehabilitative & recovery services for abused women and children. This spans from building awareness in the community about domestic abuse and workshops for vulnerable women on the importance of self-esteem to creating Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks at hospitals to working and creating opportunities for victims to leave abusive households, including creating technical-vocational programs to enable financial independence.

WCPC hopes that through this concert, they can kick start the three-pronged program.

According to Torralba, who was present at the press conference, women and children are very close to Ryan Cayabyab’s heart so it was easy for him to agree to do the concert.

“I’m so excited to go back to Cebu!” Cayabyab said during the question and answer session via online conference.

Cayabyab said his performances are usually full of Filipino songs only but now he will be including songs that he grew up with.

“I will be letting the audience in with very personal influences in my life,” he said.

After this weekend, Cayabyab will head to Melbourne for another major concert.

Ryan Cayabyab is well-known for his Da Coconut Nut song. When asked about his thoughts on BINI’s remix of his song, he admitted he was open-minded and said he loves BINI’s remix. He said recording a song with SB19 was on his wishlist.

He also announced that on August 2, SB19’s Stell will release a new song Cayabyab wrote and recorded with him.

Tickets to Ryan Cayabyab Live in Cebu Dinner Concert are available on SMtickets.com. Tickets are priced at P7,000 (VIP), P5,000 (Gold), and P4,000 (Silver). For ticket inquiries, call 0917-324-0650.

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There is a 70% chance for La Niña to occur in early august up to February 2025, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA). With that, the concerns of Cebu residents are mounting.

Meteorologist Oscar Tabada, a retired PAG-ASA director, underscored the importance of knowing and understanding that the rainy season is not the same as La Niña.

La Niña is a phenomenon that is detected when the marine buoys at the Central Equatorial Pacific monitor the average of the sea water temperature dropping by more than -0.5 degrees. This cooler temperature implies the coming of La Niña.

The heightened alert comes with warning of significant risks to infrastructure and communities like increased rainfall, potential flooding, and landslides.

“Nakaingon gyud ko sa driver nga ug nasugatan pa ni nako ang baha pagpadaulong sa trabaho, dili nako ma-at ease,” Dareen Oamilda, a commuter, said in an interview. (I told the driver that should I already encounter the flood on my way to work, I would not have felt at ease)

Tabada emphasizes that the effects of La Niña do not only limit itself to just one aspect, but these create a domino effect into other areas such as in agriculture, human health, environment, urban places, and water resources.

Additionally, La Niña could also affect the cost of living and the sources of income for people.

Evangeline Cañezares, a fish vendor in Minglanilla, shared her concern on the upcoming La Niña, “Lisod sad kay ang income sa manindahay or kaming mga tindera mohinay pud ang income tungod sa La Niña kay ang mamalitay dili mo-risk kay mahalan.” (It’s also difficult because the income of vendors or us sellers will decrease due to La Niña, since buyers won’t risk in doing so due to the more expensive prices)

Adding to the concern is the poor dissemination of information about La Niña. Despite constant warnings from PAG-ASA and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Tabada believes that the information being disseminated is not easily accessible to the people.

Oscar Tabada reiterated using the power of media in its full capacity and suggested, “Katong giingon nako nga IEC—Implementation, Education, [and Communication] Campaign—i-intensify. ‘Nya, through radio stations siguro…magkuan sila’g radio station ug television…whatever form of kuan nga i-impart sa mga taw.” (Like what I said, we should intensify the IEC Campaign. Maybe, they should also use media channels such as radio stations and television, in whatever form, in imparting information to the local community)

As the La Niña approaches Tabada reminded the residents in Cebu that a mere preparation such as cleaning the drainage in every barangay in the city is not enough. There needs to be a collective effort to address the risks and hazards.

“Kaning local government units, barangay gyud unta ang gi-focus dayon,” Tabada said on his insights about Cebu City government’s preparedness for La Niña. (The local government units should immediately focus on barangays.)

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A familiar, tinny, little ‘ping!’ sounds out during a bus ride and all heads shoot down to their phones, checking for messages.

It is a common scene on any ride throughout the day. People check their phone messages for all sorts of reasons. A message from their boss, their coworker telling them to hurry up, or their classmate informing the whole class that the professor arrived at school.

In a world where society connects over the internet, messaging applications have become a staple in our daily lives. From text messages from family telling us to buy milk at the grocery before going home, to an old friend greeting us on Facebook’s Messenger app, we have several different applications and some have found their own uses in different spaces of our lives.

Here are some of the messaging apps people use over the years:

Facebook Messenger

A staple among peers and strangers, this was a common answer when asked what messaging apps they used.

Facebook Messenger is used for messaging friends and family, making group chats for friend groups and/or families to keep in touch. Classmates also make group chats for group projects and class discussions, in case someone needs to update everyone on their teacher’s current assignments. Some even keep high school reunion chats on Messenger because it is the most commonly used messaging application and instantly recognizable to those outside the country.

Facebook Messenger is also used for work. People send their memorandums and reminders for work, as well as documents and related images for quick and easy access to everyone in the group chat.

Discord

This is another commonly used messaging application, used by those in the younger generation or those who are more tech-savvy.

Discord is a messaging app that allows you to create multiple channels for different topics of conversation. Discord also allows voice channels for just playing music for the whole group chat and watching videos even when people are far apart.

I’ve managed to watch my friends play hours upon hours of Minecraft through Discord. Thanks to friends on Discord, I even managed to watch livestreamed concerts through their efforts.

Discord may not be the easiest to set up, though, especially when you’re not as tech-savvy. It took me several days (and a few Youtube tutorials!) to set up a Discord server for a hobby of mine and have it ready to share with friends. Servers are what we call the group chats of Discord and you can be in multiple servers for different hobbies or for different groups of people.

Discord also has a setting where you can allow access to channels to only a select group of people and not everyone on the server.

However, once you’re all set up, Discord can be a fun way to chat the night away with your friends. Discord also offers better resolution for pictures so sharing that cute photo of your K-pop idol now comes in HD.

It’s time to get professional now because the following applications on this list are mostly used for work settings.

Telegram

Telegram provides a more professional look, especially if you’re looking for speed and security. Just like Discord, it also boasts a nice resolution for sharing pictures. According to their website, Telegram is for business users and small teams who may like the large groups (you can add up to 200,000 members in a group chat), desktop application, and the large file sharing capacity, meaning you can share files that are larger than 25 megabytes (MB) that Gmail allows. Just like X (formerly known as Twitter), it also lets people set a username for themselves so that other people can find them easily. Because you can also use Telegram on multiple devices, you can send large gigabytes (GB) of photos to your desktop without connecting your phone to your laptop via a USB cable.

Viber

Viber users report they use the application for professional uses, leaving pleasure to the other messaging applications on their phones.

Viber makes use of your phone number, rather than your email or username and password. Once installed, the application identifies your phone number so that you can’t hide behind a screen name or an alias.

Viber boasts end-to-end encryption, which means you don’t have to worry about your messages or files being stolen by a third party as it’s being sent to you or as you send them to someone else.

Setting up your account is also easy. They send you a code via call or text message and you don’t even have to answer it. Once received, Viber automatically opens your profile, asking for your name, date of birth, email address, and the optional profile picture and you’re good to go.

Signal

Much like Discord and Viber, Signal also has end-to-end encryption. Privacy is important on Signal which is why it’s also used for professional settings. Only people who have your number can see that you have a Signal account. So there’s no worry that other people will see your number and use it for phishing purposes. Most use Signal for work purposes as well. Signal provides users with a Note to Self feature and customizable chat colors and wallpapers.

Slack

Slack is another messaging app most used for work. Slack combines productivity and messaging features into one online application. Much like Discord, Slack separates topics into channels and can range from general to very specific topics that you can set when creating the channel.

Slack offers a much easier way to emphasize certain words, having the BOLD and ITALICS functions above the message box. A former Statistics instructor used this messaging application to message my classmates and me for class discussions and assignments. We would just submit our Statistics assignments through here. Perhaps we can add school use for Slack as well.

LINE

Popular in Japan, LINE Messenger provides a quick and easy way to connect with Filipinos with their friends in Japan. I met plenty of Japanese exchange students who would ask me and my orgmates if I had LINE so they could keep in touch. Originally made in South Korea, LINE Messenger became popular in Japan after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami disaster. Naver developed the communications system for their Japanese staff during the disaster. It resulted in an internet-based telecommunications application since the usual telecomms were destroyed by the earthquake.

The rest of the messaging applications on this list are embedded into a pre-existing social media application like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Friends have commented that if not on Facebook Messenger or any of the aforementioned work-related messaging apps, they would message their friends on these sites.

Because the messaging feature is part of the app, it’s much easier to share videos, posts, and messages from the socmed app with friends and family. While they do not provide any end-to-end encryption like other messaging apps, the convenience of sending and receiving messages on the app as well as socializing with their friends’ posts, makes these three socmed apps just as much a staple as Facebook Messenger.

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Entrepreneurs and MSMEs owners met in City Sports Club last June 25-26, 2024 as part of the Cebu Business Month (CBM) celebration. The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) organized the two-day forum with the theme of “CBM 2024: Padayon Cebu a Summit to Inspire, Promote, & Grow MSMEs Entrepreneurship Program.”

It included keynote speeches by heads of corporations in Cebu and fueled fireside chats that discussed MSMEs’ growth through the use of digital tools for business development.

CCCI’s President, Jay Yuvallos Yuvallos and Regan Rex King delivered the opening messages on the forum’s first day. It was followed by the Chairperson of the CBM 2024 Entrepreneurship Committee, Brigette Garcia-Alegrado for the event rationale.

All three speakers highlighted how corporations may help in inspiring MSMEs, giving them the right tools for effective promotion, and encouraging them to grow and upscale into a bigger business type.

Inspire: From Startup to Starship

The first keynote speaker, Bernie Liu, shared the humble beginning of LH Paragon and the five core values (entrepreneurial spirit, god-centeredness, integrity, love for the work and business, and social responsibility) that the MSMEs may use to being an industry giant. For Liu, while all of their values are important, they resonate deeply the most with social responsibility.

“Our philanthropic heart was the LH Foundation. And we would like to think that more than our companies, this is our beacon of purpose. Or as you will call it in my talk, our starship.” Liu added.

After being established for over a decade ago, it has collaborated with the government, social enterprises, NGOs, and the church.

His speech was followed by the forum’s first fireside chat which discussed stories of scaling from MSMEs to corporate. It was composed of four panelists: Jonathan Uy, William Chiongbian II, Julita Urbina, Bobong Castillo, and Jay Aldeguer. It was moderated by the Chairman and CEO of The Pages Food Group, Bunny Pages.

These corporate giants left the attendees with the tips of grabbing every opportunity, having and growing with good and reliable people, all the while observing corporate discipline and steadiness.

Promote: Business Promotion in the Digital Economy

Cofounder and CEO of D’ Wallet Technologies Corp (dba DTaka), Emmanuel Samson, started the afternoon session with a discussion on the blockchain basics and how it can contribute to digital change in the digital economy.

It was followed by another fireside chat consisting of three panelists: Ariel Alegado, Faith Oberez, and Isa Cruz.

The three of them found resonance with the importance of using digital tools such as social media in promoting their businesses. Don Macchiatos and At Home Massage specifically used influencers and Facebook to grow, respectively. Meanwhile, Seven Pantry uses digital marketing through a community-driven lens, collecting organic responses from the people they believe are talking to the appropriate audience.

Aside from these, the panelist also highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability to the changes in their businesses.

Grow: Digital Tools to Improve MSMEs Competitiveness

Founding Partner of the Gigil Group, Herbert Hernandez engaged the audience with a few of the company’s creative trending advertisements. Gigil is the creative mind behind Levi’s (Studs), RC Cola (Whatever), Coco Tea (Cool), Netflix (Trese Vandalized Billboards), Grab (Summer and Niel), Netflix (Moa Globe and 4dish pot), among other advertisements.

A panel discussion, with Hernandez being one of them, transpired with three others: Megi Lindayag, Martin Limgenco, and Lerick Elipe. All four agreed with adaptability to the changes in the business and maximizing every digital tool present to their advantage.

Garcia shared a roadmap to scaling medium-sized businesses to new heights calling it 4Gs (Goal, Gaps, Gear-Up, and Grow). She added that defining the goals and gaps in scaling up, bridging the gaps, and taking actions to scale up are important in making significant development with the business.

The first day ended with another networking opportunity and is set to have another forum on the next one. It will also include keynote speeches and fireside chats from a different set of entrepreneurs and business industries.

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Region VII Central Visayas outlasted Region V Bicol Region in three thrilling sets (26-24, 22-25, 25-14) in the Palarong Pambansa 2024 Secondary Boys’ Volleyball Tournament at the University of San Jose Recoletos-Basak Campus on Friday, July 12.

In the early part of the first set, Region VII struggled to receive and read the attack of their opponent, causing an early lead by Region V. However, Region VII still managed to regain its momentum through their agile net and floor defense and snatched the first set with a score of 26-24.

A head-to-head exchange of attacks and service aces from both teams happened in the second set. Ultimately, Region V’s consistent powerful attacks and minimized unforced errors helped them dominate and close the second set 22-25.

Region VII completely dominated in the third set. Their team captain, setter Bayang made a series of excellent plays throughout the third set, making it difficult for Region 5 to read their attacks. Additionally, Region VII dominated the blocking game, further stifling Region V’s offensive efforts. Creating a significant 11-point deficit and securing the match with an impressive score of 25-15.

Marc Lemuel Tangon, open hitter of Region VII was declared as Player of the Game who delivered an outstanding performance with 16 points 13 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 service ace.

With this win, Region VII Central Visayas now holds a 2-0 win-loss record and will face Region X Northern Mindanao for their third game on Saturday, July 13.

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In an exciting volleyball showdown in Palarong Pambansa 2024, Region VII Central Visayas emerged victorious against Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), winning in two straight 25-18 and 25-22. The match was held at University of San Jose Recoletos Basak Campus last July 11, 2024.

With Marc Lemuel Tangon’s powerful spikes and heavy serves, Region VII dominated in the first set, pulling ahead early and maintaining their lead to finish the first set at 25-18.

The second set was more competitive with CAR taking control early. A crucial 3-0 run by Region VII, however, allowed them to catch up, ultimately winning the set at 25-22.

The standout player of the game was their team captain, Jester Clyde Bayang, who logged a remarkable performance with 21 excellent sets. Bayang’s precision and strategic plays kept CAR on their toes and enabled his teammates to execute powerful attacks.

“Dako kaayong tabang ang kaning una namo nga daog sa among confidence kay ang sunod namo na mga ma kontra kay lig-on na kaayo, dili na kompyansahan,” Bayang said. (This first win is a huge boost to our confidence because our upcoming opponents are very strong, and we can’t afford to be complacent)

Region VII Central Visayas is set to face Region V Bicol Region in their second game of the Palarong Pambansa 2024 on July 12, 2024.

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Nine Cebuano artists gave fans a cloud nine experience as they performed at the “Love Cebu Music Festival” last July 6, 2024, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. For the first time ever, all featured artists were Cebuanos, making the event extra special.

The Wonggoys started the night right by giving the audience the closest feeling of a Cebuano experience with their take on the Sinulog song. Included in their set is also an original song, “Queens” as a tribute to their hometown. It was followed by “Ako” and their catchy but heartfelt composition, “Wa’y ‘Blema.”

(Photos by Charlotte Rañola and Dara Laine Solano)

Continuing the chill atmosphere is the 20-year-old Jolianne Salvado who charmed the audience with her newly released single, “I’ll be Somebody You Want” and her cover of “Lowkey” by the Indonesian singer-songwriter NIKI. More of her soothing voice was heard in her original songs, “I Can’t Sleep” and “Halfway There.”

Kurt Fick, the voice behind one of the biggest Vispop hits “Hahahahasula,” performed it once again. His other hugot and relatable love songs were “Puhon” with its light melody together with “DI NA” and “Unta Tanan” which was more on the R&B and funk side. He also entertained the audience with his cover of “Pangandoy” by Daryl Leong and “Labyu Langga” by Jerika Teodorico.

Dom Guyot’s wowed the audience with a literal face card props. He showcased powerful dance moves alongside his backup dancers with his songs “Free” and “Deja Tu Lover.” Balancing his lively performance was his soft R&Bs “Haven” and “Ambitions.”

Halfway through the event was the performance of Cebu’s Maoy Queen, Jacky Chang. Kicking off her set is the heartfelt cover of “Duyog” by Jewel Villaflores followed by a lively performance of “Salamin” and “Pantropiko” of BINI. Fans sang along as she ended her set with a soulful original, “Pero Atik Ra.”

Shoti serenaded his fans with a personal and acoustic performance on “Waiting 4 U” and his hit song “LDR.” The young singer-songwriter also announced that he will be dropping a song very soon.

Another singer-songwriter, Janine Berdin, demonstrated her powerful voice as she performed her cover of “Magazine” by Eraserheads and “Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo” by Yano. Showcasing her original compositions were “Mahika” and “Sitwasyonship.” Janine later on shared the spotlight with Guyot in “Habang-buhay” which they composed to represent their love for each other as best friends. The two went to the same high school and have been friends since then.

Mrld captures the audiences’ hearts with her lovestruck songs “Ligaya”, “Lihim”, “Ikaw Pa Rin”, “Sandali”, and “An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You”. She shared her joy of having to perform for the first time in Cebu.

JK Labajo did not disappoint as the most-awaited performer of the night. Fans cheered and sang along as he performed his 2017 song “Demonyo”. JK’s raw performance of his hit song “Buwan” took the audience to the moon as he did a ten-minute version featuring his band members and their instruments. Adding a variation to his set is the heartfelt performance of “Kasing Kasing” taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride.

Unlike the usual flow, JK expressed his thanks to the audience before performing his last song for the set.

“Daghang salamat sa mga ni anhi karong kagabihona. For giving us the time here today for watching all the artists here on stage. Mga proud Bisdak, mga proud Bisaya.”

As a performer and storyteller that he is, JK tore up the stage with his powerful performance of “ERE” along with the fans’ singing of the explicit lyrics. He intentionally did not finish the lyrics, further leaving the fans in the air. A witty yet relative way to end his performance. Someone from the audience even expressed her confusion and asked for JK’s popular song, “Shot Puno”.

Meanwhile, Shoti also expressed in an after-event interview his appreciation for the chance to perform and the Cebuanos’ support.

“I was supported by lots of Cebuano artists and Cebuanos are really talented. [And] I love the Cebuano people because they are really supportive. They were singing with me and it was just a wonderful time,” the young artist said.

The music festival has created opportunities for both flourishing ang established Cebuano artists to showcase their talent— an event created by Cebuanos for Cebuanos.

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They say that nothing beats the marvelous treasures you see in inconspicuous places, and such is true to Sipaway Island. While people travel to Negros Occidental via San Carlos, the modest island sits still beneath the enchanting Mt. Kanlaon, waiting for passers by to set their gazes on it.

Guests from Bacolod’s tourism sector, friends from Cebu media organizations, and renowned individuals—divers, tour operators, and tour guides—gathered for the product launching of Sipaway Island’s community-based ecotourism on June 19–21, 2024.

“What you’re going to witness tomorrow [June 20, 2024] is actually an example of how a local government unit’s governance—good governance—works because one of the hallmarks of governance is ecotourism—sustainable tourism,” said Tourism Consultant Boboi Costas.

Arriving at Sipaway

“Mabuhay! Welcome to Sipaway Island!” are the first words you hear from Sipaway Ecotourism Workers Association (SETWA) members upon setting foot on the fishland, where passengers ride a pumpboat for an approximately 10-minute trip to Dapdap Wharf. People who wish to stay on the island are accommodated by homestays or houses for rent.

The product launching promotes sustainable ecotourism which the Sipaway people advocate for the many years that had passed.

Their community is as close-knit as the century-old Balete Tree in San Juan Elementary School, as noble as the coconuts in Coco Lane, as sturdy as the Sipaway Lighthouse, as diverse as the mangroves in Nigad Forest, and as calm as the sea.

“The people of Sipaway are known for their genuine kindness and welcoming nature. When you hear “Sipaway Island,” it’s like a signal of warmth and hospitality nga murag you feel like you belong with the locals. It’s that feeling of being among friends even if you’re meeting them for the first time,” said Aiza Montenegro, Sipaway Ecotourism Workers Association (SETWA) Secretary on people of Sipaway.

Unlike any other tourist destinations, Sipaway Island is peaceful and environment-friendly. This is evident in the richness of the island’s nature through its foods and other products, hence, sustainable ecotourism. They sell what Mother Nature offers to tourists and in turn, they get revenues for their fundings.

On establishing Sipaway Island’s name, SETWA Secretary said she “would love for Sipaway Island to be known for its sustainable tourism practices, preserving the natural beauty and traditions,” and emphasizing the “marine life, beaches, and a community that values environmental conservation.”

A true island life

One of the key benefits is that it preserves all kinds of living things, and prioritizes the long-term effect of their actions, thus being proactive.

More often than not, we tend to give less importance to things that we see and think are always there. However, Sipaway Island takes advantage of this which aided in maintaining their culture and heritage for years that had passed and for years to come.

Reconnecting with nature does not have to be necessarily spending it with other people because it is already a crowded place. Sometimes, all we need is to experience the essence of an island life and what it feels like to be one with nature. We want a real relaxation where simple, peaceful, and serene life is indulged.

We always look for something else that is foreign to us when all along, there is a much better place near us. Sometimes, we want more and extravagant things but truly, we want simplicity. Sometimes, what we want is simply Sipaway.

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Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, announced a $15 million commitment to its AI Opportunity Fund. This initiative aims to train over one million people in Asia Pacific including the Philippines in essential AI skills, fostering a more skilled and prepared workforce for the future.

Through the $15 million AI Opportunity Fund, Google will invest in the development of critical AI skills and build confidence among workers and job-seekers, particularly those in underserved communities across the region. This complements Google’s existing digital and AI skilling initiatives in Asia-Pacific, such as AI Essentials for beginners, AI Startup School for entrepreneurs, and Google Cloud AI programs for businesses.

In collaboration with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), a network of social investors, and supported by the Asian Development Bank, this fund will seek applications from social impact organizations who can help us reach those most likely to benefit from AI training. AVPN will work with local partners, selected through an open call for proposals, to identify specific AI-related challenges and opportunities for underserved job-seekers and micro and small businesses in the region.

Selected organizations will receive support on AI in their local languages to help them deliver skills training directly to their communities. In addition, cash grants will help remove barriers to learning, such as limited access to educational resources.

“Equipped with the right tools and expertise, we’re excited to see how people and organizations across Asia-Pacific can make the most of AI to benefit everyone,” said Scott Beaumont, President Asia-Pacific, Google.

To learn more about the $15 million AI Opportunity Fund and how organizations can apply, visit this page.

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Despite the rainy weather the streets of Minglanilla were awash with color, music, and joy last June 26, 2024 as the LGBTQIA+ of Minglanilla and their allies gathered for their first pride march as part of their celebration of the pride month.

Balangaw sa Minglanilla is the LGBTQ Community in town, and is dedicated to create an organization that will unite all the members of LGBT in Minglanilla and make sure they are recognized and heard.

The name “Balangaw” is the Cebuano word for “rainbow,” which represents the diversity within the LGBTQ Community.

Headed by Marvey Bastida Caño, Balangaw sa Minglanilla president and vice president Wilbert Canonigo, the organization has been instrumental in creating an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for the LGBTQ Community in Minglanilla.

“Our ultimate goal is united lang mi, mag-tinabangay, especially sa times nga naay nag kinahanglan, naay tabangonon. So mao ra gyud na among goal very simple,” Marvey Bastida Caño said. (Our ultimate goal is to be united and to help each other, especially in times when someone is in need of assistance. So that is really our goal, very simple.)

Celebration of Pride Month

The event started with a pride march where streets of Minglanilla were transformed into a vibrant display of colors as the participants donned rainbow flags, creative costumes, and uplifting signs.

The march was not only a showcase for their creative costumes but also a platform for voices advocating for acceptance, respect, and equality.

“Through this event, I am fighting for equality and respect. This serves as a platform to express ourselves,” said LGBT member Jaylord Abella Celin.

Barangay Ward IV LGBT President, John Lego Nable added, “In this event, I’m actually having a tarp right now and I made a slogan Pass SOGIE Bill, cause it’s overdue, it’s been like two decades like it started year 2000. I think that we really need to pass SOGIE bill, this is not just for LGBT but for everyone.”

The Pride Month celebration drew a diverse crowd, with not only members of the LGBTQ community participating but also a significant number of allies who came out to show their support.

Edel Jane Cabillar, an ally of the community expresses her gratitude to the LGU and to Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, “I’m overjoyed and grateful of our local government for allowing us to see and participate in this kind of celebration of pride month. As an ally I want to express my gratitude to our mayor as well the LGU because they were given an opportunity to commemorate their month and that their voices are now being heard. And lastly, for recognizing and valuing the LGBT community.”

The march concluded in Minglanilla’s Town Plaza, where a variety of activities were held to entertain the crowd including live performance of a local artist, Mary Khem Cabagte.

One notable feature of the event was a single booth that played a crucial role in promoting safe sex practices and health awareness.

“In this booth we are promoting safe sex, especially some members of LGBT are sexually active. With this maka likay ta sa HIV,” Roy “Yors” Saavedra said. (This helps us prevent HIV.)

The booth provided free condoms and HIV self-testing kits to attendees, emphasizing the importance of sexual health and HIV prevention.

Balangaw sa Minglanilla’s celebration of pride month marked a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility and rights in the municipality.

The event organizers express their heartfelt gratitude to the Local Government Unit (LGU) and to Minglanilla’s Mayor, Atty. Rajiv Enad.

“Malipayon kaayo nga kanang sukad pag lingkod sa among mayor kay gi embrace gyud mi. In fact, apil gyud mi sa kanang sector, apil mi sa tanang plano niya,” said Balangaw sa Minglanilla vice president Wilbert Canonigo.

Mayor Rajiv Enad and LGU’s support to Balangaw sa Minglanilla is a testament of the unwavering commitment to recognize, embrace, accept, love, and protect LGBTQ community of Minglanilla.

The Pride March in Minglanilla was not just an event, but a movement—a call to action that makes ending discrimination and promoting equality a shared responsibility.

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In today’s fast-paced digital retail landscape, staying ahead of consumer needs is a key driver of success. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the country’s largest cashless ecosystem, GCash, is enabling brands to maximize their business growth by utilizing the power of AI.

Through its fourth bi-annual GCash Insider event recently held at the BGC Immersive in Taguig, GCash showcased its latest AI-powered B2B solutions with the theme “Spending in the New Era of AI.” With GCash for Business Partner Solutions, the leading finance app highlighted how data-driven marketing solutions could help businesses implement hyper-personalized marketing strategies by segmenting specific target customer groups while assisting businesses to understand customer needs on a deeper level through AI technology.

“GCash has evolved into a trusted companion and a symbol of convenience for millions. Fueled by innovation, customer-centricity, and data-driven insights, we’re redefining meaningful engagement for our customers and through GCash Insider, we explored the intersection of AI-driven marketing innovations, revolutionizing customer segmentation, and engagement,” said GCash Head of New Businesses Winsley Bangit.

GCash for Business Partner Solutions gives brands exclusive, timely, up-to-date insights on relevant consumer trends based on unique transaction signals, including spending consumer behaviors based on actual consumer data that only GCash can uncover. Key leaders led the discussion from GCash, alongside industry experts who shared their valuable insights on the importance of maximizing the future-proof solutions of AI technology in business.

“AI has changed marketing in unprecedented ways – specifically in targeting, copy and visual development, and performance evaluation. With data as material, AI puts marketing on hyperdrive by taking full advantage of the wide plethora of digital channels available today,” said Claude Gomez, GCash Head for Marketing Strategy and Insights.

Furthermore, GCash for Business Partner Solutions also provides businesses with effective marketing and data and data solutions, which include Ad Solutions, Promo Solutions, Identity Solutions, and Green Solutions, helping them thrive in today’s digital age.

“At GCash, we have over ninety-four million ever-tried users transacting with the app multiple times a day, using different services from payments, to investments, to insurance. All that data gives us a starting point to be able to do three things— enhance customer experience through hyper-personalization, improve operational efficiency and campaign performance, and gain access to data-powered solutions and real-time insights,” said GCash Chief Marketing Officer Neil Trinidad.

“The adoption of AI technology in our digital ecosystem is a testament to GCash’s commitment to innovation. Partners can leverage on these capabilities through our solutions, so they, too, may capitalize on the power of AI to future-proof their businesses in addressing the ever-changing market landscape,” said GCash Partner Investment and Marketing Head Kay Lagman.

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BDO Unibank upholds its commitment to sustainability with BDO ShopMore Mastercard, the first BDO credit card made entirely from 100% recycled plastic. This initiative aligns with the Bank’s efforts to introduce environmentally friendly products and services.

Using recycled plastic to manufacture BDO ShopMore Mastercard is a sustainable solution to lowering energy consumption and plastic waste. By repurposing plastic waste from packaging and printing industries instead of using brand-new PVC material, BDO reduces its environmental impact by lessening the demand for new plastic production.

“We consider it our responsibility to integrate sustainability principles in our decision-making and business operations. As we continue with our sustainability journey, we will continue finding ways to go green, lessen our impact on the planet, and offer choices that will help our clients do the same,” the bank said in a press statement.

Celebrating 20 Years of BDO ShopMore Mastercard

BDO recently relaunched the ShopMore Mastercard at SM Seaside City Cebu in celebration of the card’s 20th anniversary.

As part of the Bank’s 20th anniversary commemoration, the BDO ShopMore Mastercard is now made using recycled plastic material. The new and improved credit card also comes with exciting benefits and is available in three vibrant colors, which applicants can choose from when they sign up.

To delight customers, BDO ShopMore Mastercard offers more rewards for more fun, such as:

• FREE Membership Fee on the first year
• 250 Welcome Bonus Peso Points after the first purchase
• 2x Peso Points from everyday everywhere purchases
• Extra Cashback, instant savings, and year-round exclusive deals from in-store and online purchases from select partners*
• Discounts on dining and food deliveries from select partners*
• Buy Now, Pay Later deals from over 20,000 stores with 0% interest

*Terms and Conditions apply

Cardholders will also enjoy year-round offers from BDO’s partnerships with top eCommerce platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, GrabFood, and Foodpanda, to name a few, and get discounts from restaurants for as much as 50% off.

BDO ShopMore Mastercard is accepted anywhere in the Philippines and in over 20 million locations in around 275 countries and territories.

Experience More Rewards, More Fun with the all-new BDO ShopMore Mastercard. Visit BDO ShopMore booths at SM Megamall Building A until July 2, SM Seaside City Cebu (Mountain Wing) until July 7, and SM North Edsa (The Block Event Area) starting on August 8. Apply online at www.bdo.com.ph/mc-shopmore.

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