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Showing posts from 2025

Shell LiveWire 2025 Announces 3 Tech Startup Finalists

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  Manila, Philippines — Shell Pilipinas Corporation continues to fuel the growth of local innovation through Shell LiveWire, the company’s flagship enterprise development program that champions Filipino entrepreneurship. Designed to empower startups and local enterprises, the program has named its top three tech startup finalists following the pitch event in June. These startups were selected for their forward-thinking solutions in agricultural, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Entrepreneurial Excellence on Display By continuing to strengthen its commitment to empowering Filipino entrepreneurs who are driven to deliver solutions, Shell reinforces its role in advancing innovation, most notably by identifying the following top business ventures to enter the finale: Among these startups is Agridom , a startup from SF Group of Companies Inc., which introduces drone-powered precision framing tools designed to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability for smallholder farm...

Mercato Centrale Partners with Peddlr to Power Small Food Businesses' Growth

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  Metro Manila, August 1, 2025  —  Mercato Centrale Group , the country’s leading food business incubator, has partnered with tech solutions provider  Peddlr Philippines Inc .  to provide digital tools that help small food entrepreneurs streamline operations and scale their businesses.  The strategic collaboration introduces Peddlr’s point-of-sale and analytics platform to food Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the Mercato ecosystem, supporting their shift toward data-driven and tech-enabled operations. The partnership was formalized by leadership teams from both organizations during the contract signing, including Mercato Centrale’s CEO RJ Ledesma and General Manager Dan Aguilar, along with Peddlr’s Head of Product Kendrick Chan and Go-to-Market Senior Associate Janri Tomioka. “This partnership is a vital part of Mercato Centrale’s vision,”  said  Ledesma.  “It’s not enough to serve great food. Our vendors need to understan...

The Manila Hotel Reopens Heritage Museum

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    The Manila Hotel reopens Heritage Museum following extensive enhancements aimed at delivering a more engaging historical experience. Located at the lobby level of the iconic hotel, the revamped museum presents a newly curated collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive displays that highlight the hotel’s role in Philippine history, culture, and hospitality since 1912.   The Heritage Museum showcases the hotel’s architectural and cultural legacy, notable guests, world leaders, and contributions to society over the past century. Previously unseen photographs and antique décor pieces are now on display, giving visitors a closer look at the milestones that shaped The Manila Hotel’s legacy. New additions include digital installations, the hotel’s oldest surviving menu, and a curated display of antique furniture, among others.   “The Heritage Museum is more than a walk through the past, it’s a way of honoring The Manila Hotel and its intertwined relationship wi...

DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation bring urgent relief to storm-hit Cavite

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    Relief Operations in Imus, Cavite BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., continues to deliver critical relief to storm-stricken communities, reaching hundreds of families in Cavite while also preparing a major donation to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for next week. Upon declaration of the province of Cavite under a State of Calamity, the Foundation responded with relief operations in affected areas. In coordination with Imus Councilor Mark Villanueva and barangay officials, the Foundation on July 26 handed over 400 food relief packs for families in Barangays Poblacion 4A, Poblacion 4B, Malagasang 2B, and Anabu F. An additional 55 packs were provided by the local government, bringing the total to 455 families served. Relief Operations in Kawit, Cavite These efforts form part of the ₱5 million relief commitment announced by DigiPlus and BingoPlus Foundation earlier this week in response to widespread floodin...

GMA pre-gala 2025: BingoPlus and BingoPlus Foundation donates half a million

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  From left: Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, President and CEO of GMA Films, Atty. Anette Gozon-Valdez, Executive Vice President and COO of the Kapuso Foundation, Rikki Escudero Catibog, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation, Angela Camins-Wieneke, and GMA 7’s First Vice President of Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Talent Development & Management Joy Romina C. Marcelo It was a night of strengthened partnership as BingoPlus, the country’s most comprehensive digital entertainment platform and BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., joined GMA 7’s pre-gala 2025, held last July 24, at a Japanese Restaurant in Manila. Now in its fourth year, GMA’s Gala is one of the most awaited annual events of the network. It is a gathering of well-known  kapuso  celebrities and other personalities in the showbiz industry, where they dress in their most fashionable attire. An even more amazing feat is that the proceeds ...

PHILTOA Launches the 36th Philippine Travel Mart: Boosting the NextGen Tourism

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  Metro Manila, Philippines – July 25, 2025 — The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) proudly launched the 36th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) with an exclusive media event at The Peninsula Manila, setting the stage for the country’s most anticipated travel expo happening on September 5–7, 2025 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. This year’s theme, “Boosting the NextGen Tourism,” reflects a bold commitment to innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and wellness, shaping a travel industry that’s more connected, responsible, and future-ready. The event is co-presented by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board, with the invaluable support of their official credit card partner EastWest Bank, Sponsors GCash, and Philippine Airlines, all working hand-in-hand to bring meaningful, modern travel experiences to life. “The 36th Philippine Travel Mart is more than a showcase of destinations; it’s a celebration of how far Philippine tourism has come and where it’...

Why Filipinos keep smiling, even when it hurts

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      Life is expensive, but joy doesn’t have to be. In this time of soaring prices, when the rest of the world says, “You can’t afford happiness.” Filipinos say, “Watch us find it anyway.” Because joy, to us, isn’t something we buy, it’s something we make. When there’s no electricity, we bring out the guitar. When onions hit ₱700 a kilo, we make memes and turn it into a national inside joke. When floods rise knee-deep, we float on a styro box, Bluetooth speaker in one hand, beer on the other. Across the country, Filipinos are turning to accessible joys, simple things that cost little but mean a lot. A rewatch of “Four Sisters and a Wedding” because “bakit parang kasalanan ko?” never gets old. A teleserye cliffhanger, a budol finds haul, a piso load to send “ingat ka” to your crush. A ₱20 spend on an online game that gives just enough of a thrill to carry you through the day. This is joy in recession. Simple, affordable happiness that fits in our day, in our budget, and i...

Battle for Glory: ArenaPlus Joins San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Finals Press Conference

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                                                    San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G with the PBA Philippines Cup Trophy Both teams are ready for the Philippine Cup Finals, as ArenaPlus, the country’s most trusted name in sports betting, presented the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Finals Press Conference held last Friday in Pasig City. The clash between the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G is expected to be a phenomenal one, as both teams are highly motivated to become the cup finals champion this year. SMB hopes to redeem themselves after a runner-up finish in the 2024 Philippine Cup, while TNT is eyeing a grand slam victory after winning the Governor’s Cup and Commissioner’s Cup this 49th season of the PBA. Still, Beermen’s veteran tactician, coach Leo Austria, said that their goal is not to be a roadblock to TNT’s grand slam attempt but...

Timeless: A Filipiniana Bridal Exhibit at The Manila Hotel’s Grand Lobby

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The Manila Hotel, in partnership with Designers Circle Philippines (DCP), presents Timeless, an exhibit of modern Filipiniana bridal gowns, on display at the hotel’s iconic Grand Lobby until August 7, 2025. Celebrating the elegance of the Filipino love story, Timeless brings together nine esteemed designers from DCP: Edwin Uy, Rafael Gonzales, Bepz Torres, Joy Aaliwin, Laura Santos, Alistair Balane, Ganda Anore, Will Salvador, and Johnny Abad. Each designer offers a unique interpretation of the traditional Filipiniana silhouette, reimagined with contemporary sophistication. From voluminous ruffles and intricate beadwork to modern necklines and romantic lace, the exhibit highlights the evolving artistry of Filipino bridal fashion.  “This is the first time The Manila Hotel and Designers Circle Philippines have partnered in an all-Filipiniana bridal exhibit. The collection honors heritage while embracing innovation, reflecting the same values that The Manila Ho...

From Bicol to the Nation: Southstar Drug Marks 700 Stores in its 88th Year of Quietly Serving Filipino Communities

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  A heartfelt journey of accessible healthcare, one branch and one community at a time Eighty-eight years ago, a small herbal pharmacy opened its doors in Naga, Bicol. With little fanfare and a deep sense of purpose, Southstar Drug began its journey not to dominate a market, but to make healthcare more accessible to its community. Today, that same spirit lives on as Southstar Drug opens its 700th store, a new branch inside UP Diliman. The milestone is less a celebration of numbers and more a quiet reaffirmation of what the brand has always stood for: being where it matters, when it matters for every Filipino. Now, since joining Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., Southstar Drug has continued to build on its long-standing legacy. Founded in 1937, it officially celebrates 88 years of service in 2025—making it the pioneer at the forefront of the entire industry, one of the earliest and most experienced players among Philippine drugstores. “We’ve grown branch by branch, community by commun...

From Manila to Seoul: BlueWater Day Spa Marks 20 Years with Global Glow and Local Soul

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  A new era of wellness begins as BlueWater Day Spa unveils its newest brand ambassadors. From left: Korean actor and ambassador Choi Bo Min and Filipino actor-singer Teejay Marquez pose for the official campaign reveal. For 20 years, BlueWater Day Spa has been that go-to space — the quiet sanctuary in the middle of everyday rush. Known for its curated massage experiences and signature treatments, the spa has helped countless Filipinos recharge, reset, and find their glow again. Laughter and energy filled the room as BlueWater Day Spa’s brand ambassadors engaged with the crowd during their official introduction. From left: Host Queen Semana shares a fun exchange with Korean actor Choi Bo Min and Filipino actor-singer Teejay Marquez at the 20th Anniversary Media Launch held at The Westin Manila. Last July 10, BlueWater Day Spa celebrated this milestone and ushered in a new chapter. The event marked the official introduction of two new brand ambassadors: Teejay Marquez , a m...