Globe Business enhances the operations of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI | PSE:PIZZA) through a strategic partnership focused on upgrading its order  management system to improve operational efficiency, minimize errors, and elevate  services to store operations. Shakey’s Pizza is a leader in casual dining chain restaurants and food kiosks in the Philippines. Its portfolio of brands include market leaders such as Shakey’s and Potato Corner, as well as Peri-Peri, R&B Milk Tea, and Project Pie. The Philippine restaurant industry remains highly competitive, with businesses striving to expand their presence in the market. As organizations grow, their operations become more diverse and complex, which can affect customer experience. Some resort to various manual interventions, implementing divergent systems in operations that lead to inefficiencies. Digital tools have become imperative for customer relationship management (CRM) and kitchen automation to optimize workflows and better serve customers. Facing such challenges, SPAVI has partnered with Globe Business to deploy cloud based solutions that address various operational inefficiencies. These solutions provide seamless access to point-of-sale (POS) systems, centralized data-sharing, and real-time monitoring, enabling SPAVI to reduce manual processes and make informed decisions more efficiently. SPAVI and Globe Business formalized their partnership in a signing ceremony on January 30, gathering key representatives: Vic Gregorio, SPAVI President and CEO; Kiran Y. Amin, Chief Technology Officer; Oliver Sicam, General Manager; and Kathrina David, Supply Chain Management Director; KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business; Cocoy Claravall, Head of Sales, Globe Business; Glenn Estrella, VP for Business Solutions Consulting, Globe Business; Jane Mancia, Head of Key Accounts, Globe Business. “This partnership with SPAVI isn’t just about providing technology; it’s about a shared vision for the future of the F&B industry. We at Globe Business deeply admire SPAVI’s leadership and commitment to innovation. We understand the complexities of scaling a dynamic business like theirs, and we’re committed to being a true partner, proactively identifying opportunities and delivering solutions that empower SPAVI to not only meet but exceed their customers’ evolving expectations. We’re confident that together, we will redefine what’s possible in the restaurant experience,” said KD Dizon, Head of Globe Business. The partnership comes at a pivotal time for SPAVI, which is currently expanding its portfolio. It has grown from a single brand company into a multi-brand portfolio of five brands over the past five years alone. SPAVI’s business also includes Bakemaster, Inc., which supplies Shakey’s products to airline caterers, hotels, restaurants, and sandwich chains. As of 2024, its network has exceeded 2,600 stores and outlets, with domestic and international expansion accelerating its growth. ”Quality of service is paramount in our business. It is the bedrock of our commitment to our customers. This is why we need to be a highly efficient organization. We are not looking for mere solutions; we need a true partner like Globe Business, one who understands our values and proactively identifies and creates opportunities. We deeply value the insights Globe Business brings and look forward to their continued innovative contributions to our shared success,” shared Vic Gregorio, SPAVI President and CEO, in his message to Globe during the contract signing. Through Globe’s business solutions, SPAVI expects to improve forecasting, digitize processes, access data real-time, and centralize data for comprehensive reporting and analysis. With Globe Business’ expertise in reliable connectivity and digital solutions, SPAVI aims to further refine its inventory management, ensure order accuracy, and strengthen overall business operations. Managing increasing scale can become challenging and complex, making continuous innovation and transformation not just an option for SPAVI but a necessity. The collaboration with Globe Business underscores SPAVI’s commitment to ensuring that, as its footprint expands, its operational excellence and guest satisfaction remain at the forefront.    

Investments in Camp John Hay in Baguio City soared to Php 1 billion since the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) recovery of the property in January 2025. This reflects the business sector’s trust and confidence in BCDA’s track record and its plans of transforming the iconic destination into a premier ecotourism and investment hub. BCDA reported that it had already signed 75 residential and commercial lease agreements in Camp John Hay, totaling around Php 1 billion in investments. This milestone enables BCDA to bring in more job and economic opportunities to the local community and contribute more to the state coffers. Some of the major industry players and small- and medium-enterprises that have already begun to pour in investments in Camp John Hay are Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) subsidiary Landco Pacific Corporation, Stern Real Estate Development Corporation, Amare La Cucina, Golfplus Management Inc. (GMI), DuckWorld Philippines, and Top Taste Trading Inc. Of the 75 contracts signed in two months, 70 were residential lease agreements signed with local and foreign nationals, including Koreans, while the remaining were commercial lease agreements. “Numbers don’t lie. Breaching a billion mark in just two months is proof that Camp John Hay is thriving as more and more investors are seeing its potential of becoming the country’s next ecotourism and investment hub under the management of BCDA,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “More exciting things will be announced soon, as we set to close more contracts and deals in the next weeks.” Several guests and visitors said they noticed improvements in amenities and services since BCDA took over, in partnership with MPIC subsidiary Landco Pacific Corporation as the interim manager of the John Hay Hotels, and the consortium of GMI and DuckWorld PH  overseeing the operations and maintenance of John Hay Golf. “As we bring in economic opportunities that will benefit everyone, we want to assure the local community that we will protect and preserve the vast forested area and open spaces of Camp John Hay,” said Engr. Bingcang. As a testament to this, Engr. Bingcang said BCDA is conducting a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) to align it with the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, the BCDA is in coordination with the Baguio City Government on improving jogging trails and pedestrian lanes, installing solar street lights, and establishing a smart transport system. The BCDA was able to regain control of the Camp John Hay property following a groundbreaking Supreme Court decision, which allowed the recovery of the 247-hectare leased area from CJH Development Corp.        

Globe further expanded its 5G network in 2024, deploying 587 new 5G sites across the Philippines as the company continues to invest in 5G technology with consistently rising demand for high-speed mobile services. This rollout resulted in 5G coverage reaching 98.69% of the National Capital Region and 96.95% of key cities throughout the Visayas and Mindanao, now serving approximately 106 towns. “With our enhanced 5G coverage, we are delivering improved mobile experiences to our customers,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s Head of Service Planning and Engineering. “Our investments in network infrastructure reflect our dedication to providing equal access to the digital economy for all communities in the Philippines.” In December 2024 alone, over 9 million devices connected to Globe’s 5G network, showing the increasing reliance of consumers on fast and reliable connectivity. Globe is reinforcing its 5G leadership through hyper-personalization efforts, giving customers more to look forward to as activity in the 5G space is seen to gain momentum. Beyond its domestic efforts, Globe also broadened its global presence through partnerships with 168 inbound and 182 outbound 5G partners in 99 destinations, further solidifying its position in the international market. Globe’s 5G expansion is part of its ongoing network initiatives, which include the construction of 1,212 new cell sites and the enhancement of 4,613 existing mobile sites with LTE technology in 2024. The company also deployed 67,456 fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines, prioritizing the optimization of existing fiber resources in line with more efficient capital expenditure. Globe is increasing its builds this year to strengthen and improve its network, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for customers everywhere while supporting economic progress and innovation.      

Globe continues to optimize its capital investments with a sustained reduction in capital expenditures (capex) in 2025 to under US$1 billion with the objective of achieving positive free cash flow, reinforcing its commitment to financial discipline and long-term sustainability. “We are pleased with our performance in 2024, which underscores the strength and resilience of our financial position,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “Our focused approach to capex, coupled with the ongoing optimization of our network, has enabled us to achieve strong income growth and improved free cash flow. We are excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025.” Globe’s capex for the year amounted to Php56.2 billion, a 20% decrease compared to the previous year, and remained within its full-year guidance. Notably, 90% of the capex was directed towards data-related investments, ensuring that Globe’s network infrastructure continues to meet growing demand for digital services. Likewise, the capex-to-revenue ratio decreased from 44% in 2023 to 34% in 2024, reflecting Globe’s prudent capital allocation strategy. Meanwhile, Globe’s total debt slightly decreased from Php250 billion in 2023 to Php249.5 billion in 2024. The key gearing ratios for this period include a gross debt to EBITDA of 2.66x, net debt to EBITDA of 2.43x, and a debt service coverage ratio of 3.42x. Globe remains confident in its ability to achieve its financial objectives, with a disciplined approach to investments and a strong focus on operational efficiencies.    

A Baguio court has junked another injunction application filed by several CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) sub-lessees for failing to prove that they are indeed “non-parties” to the arbitration that should be excluded from the government’s efforts to fully recover the 247-hectare Property in Camp John Hay, Baguio City. Branch 3 of the Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied the application for temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction filed by CJHDevCo sub-lessees to block the  implementation of the arbitral award mandating the return of the 247-hectare Camp John Hay property, together with all the improvements and permanent structures, to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), without exceptions. This comes after the denial by Baguio RTC Branch 79 of an earlier application filed by a separate group of foreign nationals in Camp John Hay for the same relief. According to the court order issued on 06 February 2025,  petitioners were found to have acquired their rights from CJHDevCo, being its sublessees. Hence, even if they were not made parties to the arbitration, they are bound by the Arbitral Award considering that they derive their rights from CJHDevCo, who is a party to the arbitration. The court said the petitioners therefore failed to prove that they have a clear legal right to be excluded from the implementation of the reinstated Writ of Execution and Notice to Vacate. “The BCDA lauds the Baguio RTC and other law enforcement entities for continuously upholding the rule of law and protecting the government’s rights over Camp John Hay. This development proves what we have been saying all along—that the blame on the government, which is simply following the final ruling of the Supreme Court, is misdirected. We hope this gives way to productive dialogue with the claimants so we can discuss possible solutions regarding their claims,” said BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes. On 03 April 2024, the Supreme Court invalidated a 2015 Court of Appeals ruling that nullified the Writ of Execution issued by Branch 6 of Baguio RTC and the Notice to Vacate issued by the court’s Ex-Officio Sheriff insofar as persons claiming rights over improvements in Camp John Hay are concerned. In its 22 October 2024 Resolution, the Supreme Court denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by CJHDevCo and intervenors who attempted to delay the implementation of the Supreme Court decision. All those who are affected by the ruling are encouraged to reach out to the BCDA to discuss reasonable concerns within the bounds of the law. They may contact the BCDA Help Desk via email at cjhhelpdesk@bcda.gov.ph or phone via (+63) 962 534 9397 or (+63) 954 976 8295.            

Globe closed 2024 with strong financial results as it set a new record in consolidated gross service revenues of Php165 billion, reflecting a 2% year-on-year increase driven by growth across key segments. This performance was fueled by a 4% hike in mobile revenues, totaling a record Php116.7 billion, and a record Php20.4 billion in corporate data revenues, marking an 11% rise. Combined, they represent 83% of total consolidated gross service revenues, compared to 81% in 2023. Adjusting for the deconsolidation of ECPay[1] from Globe’s books in 2023, gross service revenues would have grown by 3% on a comparable basis. Mobile revenues for 2024 surpassed the Php112.4 billion achievement in 2023, supported by effective data monetization, market recovery, and continued network enhancements. As a result, mobile revenues now represent 71% of total consolidated gross service revenues, up from 69% the previous year. This was further reinforced by a significant rise in mobile data revenues, which attained an all-time high of Php97.4 billion by December 2024, a 7% increase from 2023. In 2024, mobile data made up 83% of total mobile revenues versus 81% the year before, as Filipinos increasingly relied on mobile apps for their online activities. With this, Globe’s mobile data traffic went up to 6,351 petabytes compared to 5,960 petabytes in 2023. Globe’s mobile customer base also expanded by 3.9 million subscribers in 2024, bringing the total to 60.9 million from 57.0 million a year ago. Likewise, Globe’s corporate data business performed strongly, with revenues driven by a 15% rise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and a 9% increase in core data services. Business Applications Solutions (BAS) and cybersecurity services contributed significantly to ICT revenue performance, posting year-on-year improvements of 29% and 4%, respectively. This result highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of its business clients. Globe’s home broadband segment also showed growth, with fiber services seeing a 2% rise in revenues and a 16% increase in subscriber count, driven by the strong adoption of GFiber Prepaid (GFP). This shift also produced a 13% annual increase in fixed-wired subscribers. GFP already reached 260,000 subscribers with a 74% quarter-on-quarter growth. Its strong customer loyalty is evident in reload rates of 78% and world class Net Promoter Score (NPS), underscoring the success of Globe’s customer acquisition strategy and commitment to seamless connectivity. “Our 2024 revenues reflect the strength of our data-driven strategy and the growing demand for mobile and corporate data services. By continuing to enhance our network and expand our customer base, we are well-positioned to sustain this growth into 2025 and beyond,” said Ernest Cu, President and CEO of Globe. Globe’s strong 2024 performance underscores its commitment to delivering reliable connectivity and innovative digital solutions to both consumers and businesses. With continued investments in network infrastructure, customer experience, and strategic partnerships, Globe is poised to capitalize on the growing digital landscape and further solidify its position as a leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines.            

BAGUIO CITY — Nananatiling matatag si Baguio Tourism Council Chairperson Chair Gladys Vergara sa kanyang pangako sa pagpapalawak ng mga programang pangkabuhayan sa buong Baguio, na nagpapatibay sa kanyang pananaw sa pagtatatag ng mga sentrong kabuhayan sa bawat barangay. Matatandaan, noong Enero 22, ay inilunsad ni Vergara ang kanyang kauna-unahang Ginhawa Venture (GV) Livelihood Hub, sa pakikipagtulungan ng TESDA at Department of Agriculture, na matatagpuan sa Barangay Irisan, Baguio City. Ayon kay Vergara, ang inisyatiba na ito ay naglalayong bigyan ang mga residente ng mahahalagang kasanayan habang nagbibigay ng patuloy na suporta upang matiyak ang paglago at pagpapanatili ng kanilang mga pakikipagsapalaran sa kabuhayan, na isang isang transformative power tungo sa entrepreneurship. Aniya, sa tulong ng TESDA, ang Nail Care Training ay matagumpay na naisagawa sa Barangay Asin Road, noong Pebrero 3, para ipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng sustainable livelihood programs. Noong Pebrero 6, ang BTC ay nagsagawa ng isang sesyon ng pagsasanay sa Dishwashing Liquid training session mula sa 33 kalahok ng mahahalagang kasanayan para sa pagbuo ng kita at pag-iipon ng sambahayan sa Barangay Asin Road. Ang inisyatiba na ito ay naging posible sa suporta ng Sangguniang Barangay Member Tita Dinulong, higit pang pagpapalakas ng mga pagsisikap na magbigay ng mga pagkakataon sa kabuhayan, partikular para sa mga kababaihan. Ang mga kalahok ay nakikibahagi sa hands-on na pag-aaral, pagkakaroon ng praktikal na kaalaman sa paggawa ng cost-effective at de-kalidad na dishwashing liquid—isang kasanayang maaaring gawing maliit na negosyong pakikipagsapalaran o magamit para sa pagtitipid ng sambahayan. Bilang bahagi ng programa, nakatanggap ang mga kalahok ng business starter kits at ginawaran ng certificate of completion mula sa TESDA pagkatapos ng pagsasanay. Ang inisyatiba na ito ay naaayon sa 3 Ls ng isang Organisasyon—Pag-aaral, Pamumuno, at Pag-angat—na tinitiyak na ang mga indibidwal ay hindi lamang sinanay sa mahahalagang kasanayan ngunit ginagabayan din tungo sa pagiging makasarili at entrepreneurship. Sa pangunguna ng TESDA trainer na si Fe Lucaben sa session BTC, TESDA, at mga lokal na lider ay patuloy ang suporta para sa mas maraming livelihood training programs ang nakatakdang sundin—na maghahatid ng accessible skills development sa bawat barangay sa Baguio. “Ang inisyatiba ng Ginhawa Venture ay higit pa sa isang programang pangkabuhayan—ito ay isang hakbang tungo sa pagbibigay kapangyarihan sa mga indibidwal na kontrolin ang kanilang mga pang-ekonomiyang hinaharap. Alam ko mismo kung paano nababago ng entrepreneurship ang buhay, dahil sa mga naunang taon, sinimulan ko ang aking paglalakbay sa pagbebenta ng mga processed meat products habang sinusuportahan ang aking pamilya bilang single mother. Ngayon, hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng kalahok na tanggapin ang pagkakataong ito, gamitin ang mga kasanayang ito upang magsimula ng maliliit na negosyo, at pagaanin ang mga pinansiyal na pasanin para sa kanilang mga pamilya. Ang programang ito ay naglalayong itaguyod ang pag-asa sa sarili sa mga kababaihan at pamilya sa mga barangay, na lumayo sa pag-asa sa isang beses na ayuda o dole-out,” paliwanag ni Gladys.

As coffee demand continues to surge across the Philippines, the highland municipality of Bakun, Benguet is brewing its way to becoming one of the country’s sources of high-grade Arabica coffee. Recognized for its distinct quality and flavor, Benguet Arabica Coffee has cemented its reputation as a top-tier type, with Bakun poised to meet the market’s growing appetite for this high-value crop. To support this vision, Hedcor, the renewable asset manager of AboitizPower, has provided 5,000 Arabica coffee wildlings and 500 cacao seedlings to boost the municipality’s thriving coffee and cacao industry. This initiative empowers farmers to scale production, take advantage of the rising demand, and position Bakun as a key player in the coffee industry. Unlocking Bakun’s Potential The unique terrain of Bakun, situated between 1,200 and 2,500 meters above sea level, offers ideal conditions for cultivating Arabica coffee. This advantage, coupled with the support of partners like Hedcor, creates an opportunity for the community to thrive in the high-value coffee market. “With the fast-rising popularity of the coffee brand in the market, driven by its distinct quality and flavor, the supply remains limited; that is why we are encouraging our farmers, with the strong support of our partners, to scale up production,” said Bakun Municipal Agriculturist Enrique Atelba. Atelba added, “Hedcor’s provision of Arabica coffee wildlings and cacao seedlings builds on the municipality’s agricultural strengths, allowing our community to reach its full potential as a producer of high-value crops, including coffee, cacao, and fruit-bearing crops.” Sustaining Growth and Promoting Community Impact Hedcor actively supports Bakun’s agricultural development, recognizing the unique highland terrain as ideal for cultivating high-value crops by empowering the community to leverage its agricultural strengths. This initiative not only enhances food security and promotes economic growth but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Beyond supplying Arabica coffee wildlings and cacao seedlings, Hedcor is helping Bakun secure long-term agricultural success. The company also provided 500 each of atis, lemon, rambutan, and lanzones seedlings, along with 250 sacks of chicken dung to enrich the soil and support sustainable farming practices. These efforts complement Hedcor’s broader support for Bakun, including a P1.3 million financial assistance package to fund critical watershed protection and community development initiatives. These projects focus on reforestation and sustainable land management practices to preserve Bakun’s vital watersheds, which serve as lifelines for agricultural productivity, drinking water, and renewable energy generation. Commitment to Sustainability and Local Empowerment Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao emphasized the importance of sustaining Bakun’s watershed for both agriculture and clean energy production. “Conserving these watersheds is crucial for sustaining the municipality’s agricultural productivity, supporting power generation, and maintaining overall ecological balance,” Pacquiao said. He noted that these watersheds directly power Hedcor’s renewable energy facilities, ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for the community and neighboring regions. “By supporting watershed protection and agricultural development, we’re helping Bakun not only achieve economic growth but also build resilience for future generations.” As Bakun farmers scale up production to meet the growing demand for high-grade Arabica coffee, the municipality is well-positioned to strengthen its reputation as a premier source of premium coffee in the Philippines. This transformation underscores the power of collaboration between communities, private partners, and local governments to create sustainable growth opportunities.    

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with PhilTower MIDC, a joint venture company of Miescor Infrastructure Development Corporation and Phil-Tower Consortium Inc., to advance digital connectivity across key BCDA properties, including Bonifacio Global City, New Clark City, and Morong Discovery Park. This partnership aims to foster the development of robust telecommunications infrastructure, driving both innovation and efficiency in critical locations. PhilTower MIDC, a leading provider of shared telecommunications infrastructure, has committed to install common towers across various BCDA sites. By leveraging its industry expertise and extensive assets, PhilTower MIDC aims to improve connectivity and contribute to the Philippines’ digital transformation. As part of its ongoing efforts, PhilTower has already started establishing a strong presence in New Clark City, where it manages rooftop infrastructure installed at both the Government Building and the National Academy of Sports. These installations are currently being utilized by major telecommunications providers, Globe and Smart, to further enhance the digital capabilities of the area. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “PhilTower MIDC, with its comprehensive portfolio and deep industry knowledge, is uniquely positioned to support BCDA’s ambition to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the country’s digital infrastructure. This collaboration will create impactful solutions that enhance connectivity in high-priority areas, positioning the Philippines at the forefront of the digital revolution in Southeast Asia.” Furthermore, Engr. Bingcang emphasized that this partnership aligns with BCDA’s vision of fostering technological advancements to bolster economic growth and competitiveness. This development marks a critical step in strengthening the digital landscape, not only in urban hubs but also in emerging zones like New Clark City and Morong Discovery Park. PhilTower MIDC President and Chief Executive Officer Devid Gubiani emphasized the consortium’s proven expertise and unwavering commitment to advancing national development goals. “It is a privilege to collaborate with BCDA, an organization that shares our vision of harnessing digital technology as a transformative force. Through this partnership, we aim not only to enhance connectivity but also to drive socio-economic growth in vital hubs such as Bonifacio Global City and New Clark City,” he stated. This collaboration between BCDA and PhilTower MIDC represents a significant leap forward in the country’s goal to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Also present during the ceremonial signing ceremony were PhilTower MIDC Chief for External Affairs and Government Relations Kalvin Laurence Antonio B. Parpan, Chief Financial and Risk Officer Maida B. Bruce, BCDA Vice President Business Development Mary Grace C. Perez, and Vice President for Investment Promotions and Marketing Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta (first from right). BCDA photo