Cebu Pacific officials with the awardees in the 10th CEBBIZ Awards during the awarding ceremony at Dusit Thani Manila.

Cebu Pacific officials with the awardees in the 10^th CEBBIZ Awards during the awarding ceremony at Dusit Thani Manila.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, recognized its top performing corporate and government accounts at the 10th edition of the CEBBIZ Awards.

A total of 24 accounts from the country’s top 1,000 companies, government agencies, small and medium enterprises, and labor and shipping sectors were conferred with the CEBBIZ Award in a ceremony held at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City.

A special award was also given to the Department of Budget and Management - Procurement Service as CEB’s invaluable partner for 2022.

The CEBBIZ Awards is an annual event that aims to recognize CEB’s top corporate account producers. The 2023 ceremony, which recognized the previous year’s top producers, was the first since 2019 after the awards were suspended for three years due to the pandemic.

“Through these awards, we hope you will all accept our gratitude for keeping Cebu Pacific strong despite the challenging times, and for helping the airline soar high again.” ~Arlene Tena, CEB Director for Passenger Sales and Distribution, told the awardees during the awarding ceremony

To further show appreciation for their efforts, CEB took the awardees on a tour around Albay to explore the province’s stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and vibrant culture. The tour was in partnership with the Provincial Government of Albay, Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture, and the Arts Office and Misibis Bay Resort Philippines.

CEB is firmly in place for full recovery this year as it restores its pre-COVID network and capacity, aided by its unbeatable seat sales, widest domestic network, and reinstatement of its international destinations.

The airline currently flies to 35 domestic and 23 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Local farmers in Calabarzon to receive training on modern farming techniques

KSK Trainees at Tabangao Ambulong, Batangas City, Batangas

SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) has taken another step in its mission to enhance the agriculture and entrepreneurial skills of farmers. The organization recently launched the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) across various locations in Calabarzon. 

Beginning with its launch in Padre Garcia, Batangas on April 13, 2023, the program has since been extended to Silang, Cavite, Batangas City, San Pablo, Laguna, and Calamba City. SMFI is also set to provide free agri-skills training to local farmers in other parts of the region to help other beneficiaries uplift their families and communities.

Empowering local farmers 

 

The local farmer-beneficiaries will undergo a two-phased program, spearheaded by its partner school Moca Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.  

 

The said program kicked off with an immersive 14-week training program, designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in agriculture. The modular training curriculum covers topics on the latest agri-technology updates, capacity building, financial literacy, product development, and market opportunities. Through these comprehensive modules, KSK-SAP aims to empower and enhance farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues for sustainable growth. 

As a highlight of the program's first phase, KSK-SAP farmers will join the SM Sunday Market, a collaborative initiative between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls. This platform offers trainees a valuable opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce and gain firsthand experience in institutional selling. Through this market opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their expertise and experience in the sales and marketing aspects of their agri-businesses.

To prepare for the second phase of the program, SMFI will also assist the farmers in formalizing their respective groups. To boost their earning capactiy and contribution to economic growth, the foundation will support them in creating a sustainable and profitable farming community through the assistance of its partner agencies. 

KSK-SAP originated from the vision of SMFI’s founder Henry "Tatang" Sy Sr. to establish a sustainable initiative that would uplift the farming skills, food security, and livelihood know-how of low-income Filipino farmers. Over the years, the program has evolved into a comprehensive training program that generates opportunities for skills development, employment, and livelihood.

Since its inception in 2007, KSK-SAP has helped more than 28,000 marginalized farmers from rural and urban areas across the country, fueling their entrepreneurial and farming capabilities. As a result, some of the program's graduates have turned into seasonal suppliers for the SM group and other local markets.

SM Foundation’s KSK-SAP is conducted in partnership with SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA, DSWD, DOST, DTI, DOT and partner farm schools.

SM Prime’s second annual integrated report receives multiple recognition from international organizations

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, has been recognized by three international award-giving bodies for excellence in transparent Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting for its 2021 Annual Integrated Report entitled "Together, We Rise".

SM published its sustainability reports since 2013 even before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mandated sustainability reporting in the Philippines. SM Prime further promotes transparency and accountability by informing investors and stakeholders of its ESG performance and impacts, decision-making processes, and competitive positioning value in the sector.

“We are honored to receive these awards as a recognition of our commitment to provide transparent reporting in our sustainable practices. We value all our stakeholders, and we strive to enrich the quality of life of the Filipino people.” ~Mr. Jeffrey Lim, SM Prime President

At the summit of international recognitions, SM Prime bagged accolades from the biggest and most coveted awards competition in the business world called Stevie® Awards. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards recognizes business innovation across the entire Asia-Pacific region, whereas IBAs is one of the first and most highly anticipated awards programs of the Stevie Awards that features a wide variety of categories relevant to every facet of the workplace that is open to all kinds and sizes of organizations globally. SM Prime was awarded the Bronze Stevie® Winner at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards program and Silver Stevie® Winner in the 2022 International Business Awards (IBAs).

Also, in the regional scene, the company won a Silver Rank in the Asia Sustainability Reporting Rating (ASRRAT) 2022, a sustainability report ranking by the National Center for Sustainability Reporting (NCSR). ASRRAT’s rating system employs criteria based on GRI Standards compliance, GHG disclosures transparency, and alignment with and support of the UN SDGs, among other factors. 

The international recognitions are a testament to SM Prime’s active role in championing sustainability across its operations as it continues to be a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. 

A boost in delivering quality healthcare

A resident of Cauayan City, Isabela undergoes a routine checkup in Brgy. District 1 Health Center

In 1971, the Philippines launched the Community Health Organization Program to classify health services into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. As part of this initiative, barangay health stations were created to ensure that primary healthcare improves the overall health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. 

Since then, these local health centers have played a crucial role in improving the health outcomes of Filipinos. They have not only provided general healthcare services but also served as agents during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped with the vaccination rollout. Additionally, they continue to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Adequate facilities for improved healthcare

SM Foundation (SMFI) has made it its mission to provide adequate facilities and upgraded equipment to boost health centers as they fulfill their mandate of delivering quality health care, even amid the pandemic.

Pursuing its mission, SMFI and UNIQLO Philippines traveled to the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Cagayan Valley and upgraded two health facilities serving thousands of Filipinos. Beyond the new infrastructure, health workers see it as a chance to put forth the services they have always drawn from the heart.

In Brgy. District 1, Cauayan, Midwife Tarita Ann Ballasteros has tended to patients from low-income households, who barely have money to spare for the fare going to the facility and to buy medicine. She would then give the best care she can offer to compensate for the limitations of their center.

“Nakikita ko ang sitwasyon nila na ultimo pamasahe, wala sila. Iniisip ko, wala man lang akong maibigay na gamot sa kanila. Para sa akin, hindi ko man sila lubos na mapagaling, lalabas sila sa facility na magaan ang pakiram dahil sa tinatawag nating TLC (tender loving care). It takes time to prepare and attend to the next patient. Kailangan pa namin takpan ng kumot o ilock ang pinto ng center para magkaroon ng privacy ang mga pasyente. Dahil dito, isa lang ang naaaccommodate namin. Minsan, hindi sila komportable dahil nakikita ng iba yung procedure na ginagawa namin sa kanila. Malaki ang connection ng renovation ng center sa pagsasaayos ng kalusugan ng aming komunidad. Kaming mga health workers ay mas eager na sa pag-pasok sa trabaho at mas marami na kaming pasyenteng mabibigyan ng serbisyo at matutulungan. Dahil maganda na at maaliwalas, nakakatulong ito para gumaan ang pakiramdam ng pasyente bago pa man sila gamutin.” ~Tarita Ann Ballasteros, Brgy. District 1, Cauayan, Midwife

Before, they had to use curtains as improvised medical partitions or lock the health center’s door to provide comfort to women seeking reproductive health care or pregnant mothers coming in for prenatal checkups.

Through the upgrade, the Brgy. District 1 Health Center had its own room for maternal and child health services, equipped with necessary medical tools. It was also fitted with a breastfeeding area and a designated space for immunization.

The upgrade served as the boost they needed to complement the TLC they have always given their community.

A change for the better

Sharing the same passion for health care service is Corazon Tanguilan, a Barangay Health Worker from Brgy. Cataggaman Pardo Health Center in Tuguegarao City. 

“As a healthcare provider, hindi po namin gaano iniisip ang kalakihan ng aming health center. Ang importante po ay taos pusong pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa patients namin. Nasa kalooban po namin kung paano namin gagawing maayos pagpapatakbo ng aming operasyon. Sira po ang aming mga tiles. Mahirap po ito dahil baka madulas o mapaano ang aming mga pasyente na kadalasan ay buntis at mga bata. Kaya nilagyan na lang po namin ito ng masking tape para makaiwas sa aksidente. During immunization days, may mga pregnant mothers na darating for prenatal check-up. Ine-entertain namin sila dahil hindi namin puwedeng pauwiin ulit at pabalikin pa. Mahalaga po ang sapat na espasyo para maisagawa ang infection prevention and control measures. Kaya mainam po ang ginawa ng SM Foundation na pagpapalawak ng health center namin para sa kaligtasan ng patients namin. 27 years na po ako sa serbisyo at bihira po ang health center na naka-aircon at well-ventilated. Kaya ngayon pong naisaayos na po ito, tiyak po ako na mas maeengganyo ang constituents ng  namin na pumunta sa aming Center.” ~Corazon Tanguilan, Barangay Health Worker from Brgy. Cataggaman Pardo Health Center in Tuguegarao City

Through their dedication, they strived to accommodate the healthcare needs of their patients despite unfortunate working conditions–from broken tiles, cracked wall paint, and damaged cabinets to limited electric fans for ventilation.

Due to the center’s layout and space limitations, it became even more difficult for them during the pandemic. With sick children, pregnant women, and TB-DOTs patients, it felt like a weight was pressed against their chests as they hoped to safely accommodate all patients while implementing social distancing.

As their center was rebuilt from the ground up, they felt relief and gained renewed optimism to improve their operations.

In addition to the installation of new equipment and facilities, complemented by cosmetic improvements such as fresh paint and tiles, the upgraded health centers now include designated rooms for maternal care, medical check-ups, and TB-DOTs treatment. The spacious and well-ventilated lobby provides a warm welcome to the people of Tuguegaraonos, encouraging them to pursue healthy living and become valuable contributors to the growth of their city. 

NY-Based Bartending Expert on the Versatility, Unique Flavor Profiles of Tanduay Rums

 

Tanduay rums come in a wide range of different expressions, with each product offering its own unique flavor.

“From the complex Double Rum that has aged up to 18 years, to the Especia Spiced Rum that has a touch of sweetness and is very approachable - you can drink them just by themselves. I use both at Blu, and they are so easy to work with. They make my job easier. The future between Tanduay and I is bright, I look forward to collaborating with the brand as much as possible.” ~Jeremy Le Blanche, New York-based concept beverage director and bartending veteran

Le Blanche has been in the bartending industry for 11 years. He studied hospitality for five years before working as a barback/bartender, another four years for degrees, and one year for his bartending license.

“For the past 8 years, each of my roles was an amazing experience. I learned a lot every single day. From Switzerland to London, London to New York - my most important focus was to never settle, always keep growing and setting new goals for myself.” ~Jeremy Le Blanche, New York-based concept beverage director and bartending veteran

Le Blanche shared that traveling around the world opened his mind and made him discover new horizons.

“I became intrigued with mixology and culinary professions. I love how I get to be      creative and innovative with my cocktails but also strive for consistency, so every     customer gets the perfect cocktail whether it’s made by me or anyone on my team. I love that my role allows me to push the boundaries of what’s possible and to make my cocktails an immersive sensory experience for our guests.” ~Jeremy Le Blanche, New York-based concept beverage director and bartending veteran

Le Blanche said that New York is a great city to showcase creativity as it is constantly growing, evolving, and always has an incredible energy at any hour.

Asked how Tanduay would stack up against other brands, Le Blanche said that the product is “very good, very clean.”  He shared that Tanduay Double Rum and Especia Spiced Rum by Tanduay are his two favorite expressions at the moment.

The rum market, however, is very competitive.

“It is all about marketing now to make Tanduay grow in the US, so more people know about it and have the chance to try it.”

Le Blanche explained that one can make the most amazing cocktails, but it will not be picked up by the public if it is not promoted well. 

“The same goes for restaurants and bars or anything - being excellent isn’t enough, you have to be unique and have great marketing to connect with people.”

Le Blanche first learned of Tanduay when he met its New York brand ambassador, Matt Robertson, on social media.

“He came to Thyme bar to meet with me and we had an instant camaraderie that we have been able to build on over the years. The New York team at Tanduay is amazing and are very supportive. When I first tried the product itself I thought wow, this is very high quality rum and will be easy to incorporate into my cocktails.”

Le Blanche likes the fact that the rum is from the Philippines as it gets people’s attention.

“It’s unique and makes it easy for me to suggest something new to people. Once they try one of our Tanduay rum cocktails - they usually want to order another.”

“Learning that industry experts like Jeremy likes the flavor profile of Tanduay rums and see their potential in cities like New York is a testament to the brand’s strict adherence to quality and focus on product research and development. It is also a testament to Filipinos’ craftsmanship and ingenuity as all Tanduay products are proudly made in the Philippines and use the best sugarcane in the country.” ~Marc Ngo, Tanduay International Business Development Manager and Senior Brand Manager

Founded in 1854, Tanduay is an iconic brand in the Philippines. It has received numerous international awards for its various rum products and continues its domination of the rum category in the country. It was named the World’s Number 1 Rum for five consecutive years by Drinks International Magazine, based on its sales. It has also received the “Brand of the Year” award for seven consecutive years.

SM group to build new school buildings in Laguna, Batangas

Continuing its commitment to helping elevate the country's education system, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) and the Department of Education (DepEd), have recently collaborated to construct two new school buildings in Laguna and Batangas.

Upon the completion of the joint initiative, two two-story four-classroom school buildings will be donated to the Laguna Resettlement Community School in San Pedro City, Laguna and the San Antonio Elementary School in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.

Each of the school buildings is set to be equipped with learning materials, armchairs, handwashing facilities, emergency equipment, and PWD-friendly facilities to ensure that students, especially from low-income communities, gain access to modern, safe, and conducive learning facilities.

Formalizing the partnership, representatives from the SMFI, DepEd, and the local government units of said provinces attended the memorandum of agreement signing last April 28, 2023, at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) in Malvar, Batangas.

SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd in various educational programs. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities.

Tang Gives Snackspo for Summer

The Philippine summer months are typically from March to May, but this tropical country experiences the warm heat of the sun almost every month. As familiar as the heat is to the Country, there’s only one brand that Filipinos trust when it comes to fruity and flavorful refreshment, that’s Tang! The number one powdered beverage in the country is a standard drink during the hot months because of its delicious fruit taste, with 20 flavors to choose from. It also offers affordable nutrition, with Vitamins C, D and Zinc in every glass of Tang. What’s more, Tang’s deliciousness can be enjoyed not only at home but can also be used for your business to provide refreshment to your customers! 

Tang has over 51 years of experience and insights in providing delicious refreshment to Filipinos. The brand has five decades of knowledge on what tastes Pinoys like – but that doesn’t stop the brand from making more new and delightful flavors for everyone to enjoy. Today, its 20 flavors offer something for everyone, whatever taste preferences they have – from tangy citrus tastes, delightful berry flavors, truly Pinoy flavors, and even fruit and vegetable combos! All of these come with vitamins and minerals in every glass, to provide affordable and accessible nutrition that moms approve of, and kids love. 

Consumers Always Want Something New… from their Favorites 

Tang’s parent company is Mondelēz International, a global leader in snacks. To strengthen the Company’s leadership in snack-making, it undertakes an annual survey on snacking trends globally called The State of Snacking. Now on its fourth year, the State of Snacking Survey offers new insights on what consumers want for their snacks and more importantly, why they snack. According to the survey, 71% of consumers around the world snack at least twice a day.

What’s more consumers are eager to find new snacks with over half saying they need more "snackspo" (or snack inspiration) in their life, especially millennials and Gen Z. Some 74% of consumers would also make a point of getting a new snack flavor as soon as it comes out. Lastly, familiar snacks appear to be particularly important in the current post-pandemic environment. Two-thirds (65%) agree they prefer brand name snacks to store brand or generic ones. 

Tang for Home and Your Business 

“Tang has been a staple for family meals for many years because Filipinos see the value our brand offers their lives with our delicious taste and affordable nutrition. Our brand now has more Vitamins C, D and Zinc compared to our previous formulation, that benefit the entire family. Apart from being enjoyed in homes, Tang also has the versatility to help business owners like carinderia and restaurant owners to provide something new to their patrons. Tang can be a partner of these small and medium business by providing snacks inspiration and providing ingredients which are useful to their businesses.” ~Criselle Villafuerte, Category Manager for Beverages of Mondelēz International

For carinderia and restaurant owners, you can order Tang in bulk for your business needs by contacting phconsumercare@mdlz.com or following this link. Tang also offers various recipes from mixed drinks to desserts, which you can serve to your patrons to refresh and delight them this summer and all year round. Just follow the Tang Facebook page for recipes and more. Contact the Mondelēz International Sales team to find out how Tang can be part of refreshing your customers today. 

About Mondelēz International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2021 net revenues of approximately $29 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Mondelez Philippines 

Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 60 years - since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, belVita breakfast biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home. 

Greenwich Introduces Pizzawrap with Spam Hawaiian and more

Greenwich Introduces Pizzawrap with Spam Hawaiian and more - The Delicious, Savory Me-Time Snack Starts at only P59.

A wrap that’s masarap? Greenwich–the number one pizza chain in the country—is launching a delicious, savory snack that is both hearty and handy, and definitely awesome for solo munching! Presenting: Pizzawrap!

Taste its Spam Hawaiian for only P99. This new pizza creation features a great-tasting savory Spam-filled filling in a freshly baked crust that will surely satisfy your pizza craving in a new way.

“Our Pizzawrap offers the same delicious goodness as our overloaded pizza offerings. This innovative handheld snack is perfect for individuals who like to savor their me-time and enjoy their solo moments over good food!.” ~Ali De Torres, Greenwich’s head of Marketing

The new Greenwich Pizzawrap is also available in Ham & Cheese (P59), which is a classic Greenwich flavor with loads of ham and cheese for that meaty, ooey-gooey experience. It also comes in Chorizo Pepperoni (P99) flavor—a blend of pepperoni and smoky chorizo, and two types of cheese, which is perfect to complete your exciting solo adventure!

All Pizzawrap flavors will be available in all Greenwich stores in Luzon and Metro Manila starting this May 26. This will also be available in greenwichdelivery.com, GrabFood, and foodpanda. Order now, kabarkadas!

For more information, visit Greenwich’s official Facebook page, Greenwich Barkada, or message Greenwich Barkada on Facebook Messenger.

About Greenwich 
Greenwich’s story began in 1971 as a small, family-owned store selling a selection of pizzas at the then Greenhills Commercial Center. As the brand’s pizzas grew in popularity, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) took notice. In 1994, JFC acquired majority shares in Greenwich, infusing what was a family business with industry-leading competitiveness. New pizza variants and a variety of products were introduced through the years, creating a reputation for Greenwich as a maker of mouthwatering pizzas and pastas for the Filipino “barkada.” Today, Greenwich is the country’s biggest pizza and pasta chain with over 270 stores and counting, and home of the best-selling Hawaiian Overload^®, All-in Overload^®, and Lasagna Supreme^®.

Jollibee Group-owned The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia opens 150th café

The café’s modern interior design takes on an open space concept, with arches featured prominently in its architecture.

The Jollibee Group hits another global milestone as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia opens its 150th café in its latest location in Sierra Fresco, Puchong, Malaysia. Located in the prime economic hub of Selangor, Malaysia, the Jollibee Group-owned brand is going full steam ahead on its commitment to bringing the best of coffee and tea from around the world. 

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia launched its first café in Kuala Lumpur’s KL Plaza in 1997 and has steadily expanded its presence in the country since. The brand’s success underscores its steadfast focus on serving authentic, diverse flavors of coffees and teas from different parts of the globe–using only ingredients of the highest quality–and elevating the customer experience through constant innovation.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia opened its 150th café in its new location in Sierra Fresco, Puchong, Malaysia. The Jollibee Group-owned coffee and tea brand is committed to bringing the world’s authentic flavors to Malaysians across the country.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO of Jollibee Group, said this is a milestone moment for the brand and is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and growth: 

“The opening of our 150th café in Malaysia, which adds to the brand’s expanding footprint of over 1000 cafés across 20+ countries globally, signifies Jollibee Group’s commitment to the accelerated growth of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® brand. Malaysia is home to the brand’s third-largest café network in Asia, and with the support of its people, customers, and the Malaysian community, we hope to bring the authentic coffee and tea experience to even more places in the country.” ~Ernesto Tanmantiong, President and CEO of Jollibee Group

The new café features a spacious floor area of 2,800 square feet which houses a large seating area, including a community table for eight, that can accommodate up to 110 customers and visitors. The café’s contemporary interiors boast an open space concept, with arches featured prominently. A nod to the brand’s roots, South Californian motifs adorn the new café, while sunshine-like lighting evokes a warm and inviting ambiance. 

“This is an exciting time in our growth story as we build on our strong legacy to become a modern global coffee & tea house that allows people to see the world in new ways through new flavors and experiences. Asia remains a focus for our expansion where we continue to see strong demand for specialty coffee and tea.” ~John in de Braekt, CEO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Brand

While innovation remains a key focus for the brand, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia plans to further enhance customer accessibility by expanding its drive-thru services. Through this, the brand aims to provide a better on-the-go experience for more customers.

Mohamed Amar Shah, Managing Director of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia shared: “Ever since we made Malaysia our home with its first The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® café back in 1997, we have continued to uphold our commitment to delivering a unique experience in every cup or on every plate. In turn, we are grateful to have our passion reciprocated by Malaysians, who continue to support us in making our cafés a space of community.”

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Brand’s expansion forms part of the Jollibee Group’s vision to be one of the top five restaurant companies in the world. To learn more about The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia, visit www.coffeebean.com.my. To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

About Jollibee Group 

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC, also known as Jollibee Group) is one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world. Its mission is to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone through its 16 brands with over 6,500 stores across 34 countries including the Philippines, United States, Canada, the People's Republic of China, United Kingdom, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. 

The Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger); four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80% ownership of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; 60% ownership in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee; and 51% ownership of Milksha, a popular Taiwanese bubble tea brand. 

The Jollibee Group, through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL) owns 90% participating interest in Titan Dining LP, a private equity fund that owns the Tim Ho Wan brand. The Jollibee Group has a joint venture with the THW Group to open and operate THW restaurants in Mainland China. It also has a business venture with award-winning Chef Rick Bayless for Tortazo, a Mexican fast-casual restaurant business in the United States.

The Jollibee Group has launched its global sustainability agenda dubbed Joy for Tomorrow, which aims to strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The agenda centers on the key pillars of Food, People, and Planet, and consists of 10 focus areas namely: food safety, food quality, nutrition & transparency, employee welfare, farmers livelihood, community support, good governance, packaging & recycling, waste reduction, and energy & water efficiency. Each focus area sets goals and initiatives that contribute and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group was named the Philippines' most admired company by the Asian Wall Street Journal for ten years. It was also honored as one of Asia's Fab 50 Companies and among the World's Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies by Forbes. The company is also a two-time recipient of Gallup’s Exceptional Workplace Award, making it the only Philippine-based company to receive the distinction. 

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com

NegoSentro Media Appoints Mark Saberola as Editor-In-Chief, Launches Kuya Mark Video Podcast

In an exciting development for the Auto & Tech space, NegoSentro Media has appointed experienced automotive industry professional Mark Saberola as the new Editor-in-Chief for their Auto & Tech website. Alongside this, they are introducing a fresh video podcast series, featuring Saberola, who will adopt the persona of "Kuya Mark".

Mark Saberola, also known as "The Talyer Mentor," brings to his new role at NegoSentro Media's Auto & Tech platform an exceptional breadth of expertise in the automotive business. From his early career at Ford Motor Company to establishing the successful ValuePlus Auto Service franchise, Saberola's career trajectory exemplifies a unique blend of hands-on experience and leadership acumen. Further bolstering his credentials is his technology startup, AutoServed, which reflects his profound grasp of innovation and technology within the automotive sector. Saberola's diverse insights and experiences are set to make a significant contribution to NegoSentro Media's Auto & Tech platform.

“Mark is the perfect choice for me. Besides being a co-alumnus at the Asian Institute of Management, his years of balanced experience in the motoring industry are commendable. We are thrilled to have Mark spearhead this new initiative. His knack for engaging storytelling, will make 'Kuya Mark' a standout addition to our lineup of digital content. We have been searching for a year now for an EIC for our motoring niche, and Mark is a perfect fit. As someone who’s well-versed in both motoring and tech, he will drive the publication to new heights." ~Homer Nievera, NegoSentro’s Chief Digipreneur

The podcast will feature enlightening conversations with personalities from both the auto and tech spaces, as well as other areas of interest. Saberola's goal is to create a platform for diverse voices, promoting innovation, industry insights, and inspiring success stories.

The Kuya Mark video podcast will be a highlight of Saberola's role at NegoSentro. The twice-monthly podcast will cover a broad spectrum of topics, from insider insights into the auto industry to discussions on tech innovations and beyond. Each episode, lasting approximately 8-10 minutes, will feature Saberola's engaging style and in-depth knowledge, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

NegoSentro Media's appointment of Saberola and the launch of the Kuya Mark podcast are strategic steps to enhance their Auto & Tech content, offering a fresh and engaging perspective to their audience. Stay tuned for the inaugural episode of Kuya Mark's video podcast, promising a unique blend of information, inspiration, and entertainment.

"I'm thrilled to join NegoSentro Media and launch the Kuya Mark podcast. It's a fantastic platform to share insights, engage with our audience, and discuss anything and everything about cars and the tech space." ~Mark Saberola, also known as "The Talyer Mentor"

Negosentro Media is a leading digital platform dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and providing resources for business growth and development. With a strong commitment to fostering innovation, Negosentro Media offers relevant news, articles, and insights across various industries, including automotive and technology. Visit www.negosentro.com for more details.

Kuya Mark, also known as Mark Saberola, is a seasoned automotive industry professional who recently joined Negosentro Media as the Editor-in-Chief for their Auto & Tech website. Beyond his editorial role, Mark also serves as the General Manager and Franchisor at ValuePlus Auto Services, the founder of AutoServed, and the inspirational figure behind Talyer Mentor. Known for his unique blend of practical experience and leadership skills, Kuya Mark shares his knowledge and passion for cars and technology through engaging content, including his innovative video podcast series. As a mentor and subject matter expert, Kuya Mark is dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses succeed in the dynamic world of automotive and technology. Visit www.talyermentor.com and www.autoandtech.com for more details.

Subway® and Mayani support the call against malnutrition with #SubwayGivesPack

A global brand with a heart for the community. The leadership team of Subway^® Philippines and Mayani’s top management (top left to right: Kin Nonog, Chief Operating Officer; Lance Villanueva, Co-Founder/Chief of Fulfillment; bottom left to right: Jean Gagarino, Territory Manager; JT Solis, Co-Founder/Chief Executive Officer) signing their partnership agreement at Subway^® J12 Anabu II-D in Imus Cavite.

Malnutrition continues to become alarming in the Philippines, especially among marginalized indigenous groups. 30% of Filipino children face chronic malnutrition due to unequal access to nutritious food, resulting in cognitive delays and long-term health consequences.

With a goal to aid in alleviating malnutrition, multi-national restaurant chain Subway^® launched its #SubwayGivesPack campaign in partnership with Mayani, the fastest-growing farm-to-table platform in the Philippines.

Mayani directly sources locally-grown produce and catch from organized smallholder farmers and  fisherfolk across 6 regions in the archipelago, and provides them access to a sustainable market: from retail customers to top supermarket chains, international hotels, and restaurant groups. This partnership will strengthen Subway^®’s commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle and save hundreds of children from hunger.

The campaign aims to provide Mayani’s Aeta farmers community in Zambales with 200 nutrition packs containing healthy food items, such as fresh vegetables. These will give them better access to proper nutrition and improve their well-being, especially the undernourished children.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome Subway^® into Mayani’s ecosystem of partners. It’s an important milestone for us to co-create change with a global brand and enable Subway^® to localize and deepen its positive impact among communities.” ~JT Solis, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Mayani, who led the structuring of the Partnership Deal

Subway^® recently celebrated its 26^th year in the Philippines on the back of a strong reception by the Filipino market for fresher alternatives than the traditional fast-food offers. The campaign started to roll-out already across all Subway stores in the country.

“Subway^® has come a long way since our first franchise, and it continues to expand to multiple areas in the country thanks to the efforts of our Franchisees, Sandwich Artists and our loyal guests.” ~Jean Gagarino, Subway^®’s Territory Manager

Subway^®’s #BetterForYou initiative is not just about giving healthier foods to customers; it also focuses on fostering a better community for Filipinos. And together, we can make a big difference for those in need.

For every bite of Subway^® Favorites Half and Half Footlong subs, you can make children smile and change people’s lives. Let’s always find happiness in helping others. Make the #BetterChoice for a cause today!

 

 

 

About Subway^® Restaurants
As one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant brands, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries in nearly 37,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees – a network that includes thousands of dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities.

Subway^® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. © 2023 Subway IP LLC

Let's Go with SigeGo!

Social media has made a huge impact in the retail landscape and changed consumers’ buying behavior. We learn a ton of information from videos, blogs, and posts. Shoppers now opt for more personalized, do-it-yourself shopping experiences that are easily distributed, managed, and booked through what is known as an Omnichannel Digitalization Platform. The omnichannel platform enables booking infrastructure for the connected future in areas including cities, cars, homes, travel and more. There are more opportunities than ever to try something new, find flexible budget options, and maximize points & rewards systems. All this has affected how industries are responding.  Everything is now easily accessible with just a few clicks. The traditional booking flow has evolved from a complex process to point, click and buy.

Simplenight, a global technology leader in building innovative enterprise solutions, is set to make history in the Philippines through its partner SigeGo Corporation, a Filipino-owned company. Simplenight is known for powering some of the largest travel brands worldwide. Their Omnichannel digitalization platform is the backbone and foundation of SigeGo. This groundbreaking solution is positioned to be a game changer where curated travel, food delivery, vacation rentals, wellness retreats, government services, car repairs and even golf lessons are possible through just the click of a finger or swipe. 

Created by Filipinos, SigeGo was thoughtfully-made with unique Pinoy products and services included in the system. To be launched in June, the travel category will just be the first of the many categories that will be activated in the months to come. 

SigeGo will revolutionize the way one explores and experiences the Philippines, be it Filipino or anyone else in the world. One of SigeGo’s missions was not only to enhance intra-travel, but to also help promote inbound travel to the Philippines. From serenading that special someone at BGC to having an intimate dining experience under the stars at Fort Santiago, SigeGo can make it possible for you and can set you up for new adventures that will change the way you think of travel. Get ready to go beyond the usual tourist spots and embrace unique and curated experiences you never thought possible. 

SigeGo will revolutionize the way one explores and experiences the Philippines. Thinking of a modern harana to serenade that special someone at BGC or an intimate dining experience under the stars at Fort Santiago? SigeGo can make that possible for you and can set you up for new adventures that will change the way you think of travel. Get ready to go beyond the usual tourist spots and embrace unique and curated experiences that you never thought were possible.

“As we launch one category after another, SigeGo will totally transform the Filipino lifestyle once fully implemented. This is the digital transformation the Philippines has been waiting for. Pinoys are known to be hardworking, dedicated, kind, loyal, adventurous, and very proud of their culture. Knowing that this is the first lifestyle digital platform built with Filipinos for the Filipino, we are very confident that they will be open to trying new things as evidenced by the data insights on well-curated Instagram profiles, artistically-edited reels, and aesthetic photos but more importantly our confidence in the Filipino pride. Whether it’s traveling, creating travel bucket lists, drawing inspirations from celebrities and influencers for fashion choices or trying out new restaurants or food trends, the Philippines is ripe for such a super app where one can book everything anytime, anywhere.” ~David Palmieri, Chief Commercial Officer of Simple Night and lead proponent for SigeGo

David Palmieri, Chief Commercial Officer of Simple Night and lead proponent for SigeGo

Watch out for further announcements on SigeGo in the days and weeks ahead.

Waste Wanted: CitySavings Turns Donated Plastic into School Chairs

City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of the Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank), makes supporting public schools more sustainable through its initiative, Turning Plastic into School Chairs.

 

Spearheaded by the Bank’s Branch Operations and Human Resources teams, the goal was to collect as much plastic waste from the employees in a month. The recycling drive gathered almost 2,000 kilograms of waste plastic from CitySavings branches and corporate offices nationwide. These were then turned over to Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc, a company based in Davao City, which produced the school chairs, each made out of 30 kilograms of plastic waste, at a discounted rate.

"We are proud of our CitySavings Bankers for their all-out support as sustainability stewards. The success of this initiative clearly showed how the spirit of Ubuntu moved us to connect and partner with our stakeholders and communities to minimize our impact on the environment for a better and more sustainable future. This is employee engagement and sustainability in action.” ~Hannah Contreras, CitySavings Human Resources Head

A total of 50 chairs were produced and donated to the beneficiaries, Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag agenda to supplement basic education facilities and services. 

“Our school population has grown from 6,000 to 9,000 students in the past few years. With this, there is a need to increase the number of facilities to be used by our learners at Tunasan National High School. These sustainably produced chairs donated by CitySavings will not just help 25 students, but generations of students to come.” ~Principal Dr. Ador Querubin

Principal Querubin also highlighted how sustainable practices can make the learning environment more conducive and comfortable for students.

“We are very excited to use these unique and sustainably produced chairs given to us by our partners from CitySavings. We will have them in our Reading Village and Reading Kiosk to help encourage our students to read more. Alam niyo na kung saan kayo lalapit kung nangangailangan kayo. Nandiyan lagi ang CitySavings para tumulong (You know who to turn to when you’re in need. CitySavings is always ready to help.).” ~Principal Riza Lobitos of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School, In Davao City

The school pledged to support the continuation of this initiative by collecting more empty plastic bottles so CitySavings and its partner can produce more chairs.

As CitySavings incorporates sustainability practices into its operations, the Bank commits to #BEESustainable by continuing its sustainability-driven initiatives that further support our educators and learners while significantly helping the environment. 

About City Savings Bank:

City Savings Bank, Inc. (CitySavings) is the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) and a member of the Aboitiz Group. It is one of the largest thrift banks in the country, providing a wide range of mass market financial products and services, such as salary loans to public and private school teachers, pension loans to GSIS and SSS pensioners, motorcycle loans, company employee loans, government salary loans, and traditional deposit products. 

Today, CitySavings has more than 140 branches nationwide. It is well on its way to becoming the leading digital mass market bank in the Philippines, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable prosperity across the country.

GrabAds insights show how busy Filipinos get around Mother’s Day

Having close family ties is one of the hallmarks of Filipino culture. Hence, it comes as no surprise that holidays celebrating the family unit are much beloved in the Philippines. Among the most anticipated is Mother’s Day – and insights from GrabAds, the advertising arm of the leading superapp, show that Pinoys do get busy creating special moments for their nanays every second Sunday of May. 

The GrabAds SEA Mother’s Day Insights Report 2023 gives brands and consumers a clear picture of how Grab – with its portfolio of convenient, reliable services like GrabFood, GrabMart and GrabExpress – enables and empowers users to create extra-special Mother’s Day celebrations for their moms. 

Here are some interesting insights from the report!

1. Filipinos plan for Mother’s Day

Filipinos take Mother’s Day celebrations seriously. In fact, 88 percent of Grab users in the Philippines have already come up with plans specific to Mother’s Day 2023 . The respondents look forward most to gathering their families, ordering food online, and going out for a meal together with their loved ones and, of course, their inays. 

2. Filipinos order food and ship out items a lot more on Mother’s Day

GrabAds insights also show that Filipinos are happy to create special dining experiences at home as they tend to order more on the second Sunday of May. In 2022, GrabFood orders rose by 25 percent on Mother’s Day versus the average number of food orders across all Sundays of April. The most expensive GrabFood order on Mother’s Day last year was a Php 7,000 steak set  –  a much-deserved treat for the family!

Padala items also tend to be on the road more during Mother’s Day. For instance, last 08 May 2022, there were 37 percent more GrabExpress Deliveries versus the average Express Orders on the Sundays of the month prior . Indeed, no distance is wide enough to stop the simple thank yous and love yous Filipinos wish to express to their moms. 

3. Filipinos enjoy ordering on-demand gifts on Mother’s Day

Gifts overflow during Mother’s Day, too! 8 out of 10 Grab users in the Philippines plan on buying their moms a gift, and 82 percent of these are keen on buying a gift from Grab. Among the most popular choices on GrabFood and GrabMart during Mother’s Day last year were cakes and pastries, flower bouquets, and home and kitchen appliances. Chocolate, ube, and fresh fruit reigned supreme as the top preferred cake flavors . 

Truly, with reliable and convenient on-demand delivery services like GrabFood and GrabMart, gifts no longer come with the usual long queues, heavy traffic, and aisle-to-aisle exploration in-store.  

“Mother’s Day remains to be one of the most important gifting occasions in Southeast Asia. Our GrabAds report shows a surge in user activity one week before the day itself, across the region, as people start looking for ways to make this day extra special for their loved ones. This Mother’s Day, merchants and brands across the region have the opportunity to connect with consumers looking for the perfect gift for their mom via superapps like Grab.” ~Jennie Johnson, Head of Regional Marketing, GrabAds

Creating a special Mother’s Day celebration should be easy and hassle-free –  and Grab makes sure of this. With the wide merchant selection and reliable on-demand delivery services of both GrabFood and GrabMart, you can easily pick and order mom’s faves for an intimate family dinner; or even include special add-ons just to express how much you treasure her. Tip: Check out the promo code MAMAMART on GrabMart and ILYMOM on GrabFood on May 14, 2023!

ABOUT GRABADS

Established in 2018, GrabAds has evolved to become an integrated advertising solutions provider which provides advertisers with multiple channels, such as in-app advertising, branding and product sampling via the Grab ecosystem, for building awareness, engaging audiences and triggering action across the Grab platform. Through its advertising and technology capabilities, GrabAds aims to help people discover, engage, and connect with the best businesses in Southeast Asia. For more information, visit GrabAds For Business.

EdgePoint Philippines rolls out first colocation with DITO Telecommunity

EdgePoint Infrastructure (“EdgePoint”), a leading ASEAN-based independent telecommunications infrastructure company, via its subsidiary, EdgePoint Towers Inc. ("EdgePoint Philippines") has activated its first tower colocation tenancy site in partnership with DITO Telecommunity.

Upon recently securing ownership of the 48-meter, ground-based tower located in Tanay municipality, Rizal province, 57km east of Manila, EdgePoint successfully made the tower Ready For Installation (RFI) in under two weeks. The site enables DITO Telecommunity to serve more than 139,000 residents in the area. The activation also kicks off a partnership between EdgePoint and DITO Telecommunity that will see the rollout of planned colocation projects across Luzon.

“With the Government – via the Department of Information and Communications Technology - encouraging the installation of shared telecommunications towers via Independent Tower Companies, EdgePoint Philippines is focused on making its tower network available to all operators for fast-track deployment. We are committed to ensuring the ready availability of accessible and reliable wireless telecommunications infrastructure to support all mobile network operators and Internet service providers in the Philippines, thereby improving service quality to their customers.” ~Suresh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of EdgePoint Infrastructure

To date, EdgePoint Philippines operates 2557 active sites in the country, with the number targeted to reach 3000 by the end of 2023.

For more information on EdgePoint, please visit https://edgepointinfra.com/.

 

 

ABOUT EDGEPOINT INFRASTRUCTURE

EdgePoint Infrastructure is a telecommunications infrastructure company that aspires to power Digital ASEAN via Next Generation Infrastructure. Headquartered in Singapore with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, through EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, PT Centratama Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk and EdgePoints Towers Inc. respectively, the company is focused on providing sharable and leading-edge telecom structures, small cells and in-building systems. EdgePoint aims to be an industry leader through scale and innovation, driving operational efficiencies through the adoption of analytics and digital technologies. 

Hanabishi, “Bossing” Vic Sotto Continue Partnership

Hanabishi Appliances recently renewed its partnership with its first and long-time brand ambassador, actor-host “Bossing” Vic Sotto. This is the ninth year that the two icons -- one in the appliance sector and the other in Philippine entertainment -- will be working together.

“We believe in keeping lasting relationships. We have been working with Bossing since 2014, and it has been a really fruitful collaboration. Throughout that time, we have seen consumer preferences evolve, challenges like the pandemic come up, and more competition enter the market. Our partnership has helped us navigate all these obstacles. He is more than just a kapartner for us; he has become part of the family already.” ~Jasper Ong, Hanabishi President and CEO

Bringing Joy and Help to Filipinos

The brand’s collaboration with Sotto goes beyond product promotions.

“It is a partnership that is built on a shared mission of bringing joy to Filipino families. Hanabishi is committed to making household work easier and helping people put up their own businesses through our various appliances. Likewise, Bossing, through his movies and TV shows, has brought laughter and happiness to Filipinos across the country. As we mark our 37th year, we would like to thank all the people like Bossing who have become part of our success. We are grateful to all the consumers who have made Hanabishi their brand of choice when it comes to their home and business.” ~Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President for Finance and Marketing of Hanabishi Appliances

Sotto lauded Hanabishi for taking part in the various community projects of Eat Bulaga, the country’s longest-running noontime show.

“Maasashan ang Hanabishi pag dating sa mga quality appliances. Gayundin, maasahan mo sila sa paghatid ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan tuwing may krisis. Malaking bahagi sila ng mga community initiatives ng Eat Bulaga (You can count on Hanabishi when it comes to quality products. Likewise, you can count on them when it comes to helping people during times of crisis. They are a big part of the community initiatives of Eat Bulaga).” ~“Bossing” Vic Sotto, Hanabishi's long-time Brand Ambassador, Actor - Host

A Fiesta-Themed Welcome

Hanabishi celebrated their renewed partnership with Sotto through a fiesta-themed event. He was welcomed by Mr. Ong and Ms. Ong-Chua along with Hanabishi VP for Operations Candice Ong-Ang and VP for Purchasing and Merchandising Jevon Ong. 

In keeping with the theme, the guests were served a buffet of Filipino dishes prepared by Milky Way Cafe. Hanabishi products that are perfect for the hot summer months were raffled off. A “guess the price” contest was also held, with three winners taking home Hanabishi appliances. Comedian, podcaster, and content creator Stanley Chi hosted the program.

   

About Hanabishi: 

Sa Bahay at sa Business Mo, Hanabishi!

Hanabishi is a Filipino household name for appliances for over 35 years. It is a brand engineered to fit the lifestyle of the Filipino both for homes and businesses.  Hardworking, durable and resilient, are the attributes that personify Hanabishi making it the brand of choice of every Filipino mom and businessman when it comes to value and practicality. Hanabishi is the mark of quality that grows with you through the years.  Built with passion and an impeccable desire to uphold the quality of life in every Filipino home, Hanabishi will remain to be the PRACTICAL choice and KAPARTNER, today and for the many years to come.

For more information about Hanabishi, please visit www.myhanabishi.com/shop/ and  like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyHanabishiAppliances/.