Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, further boosts its Clark hub by launching its seventh direct domestic destination, Tagbilaran, making the island province of Bohol now accessible to travelers from north and central Luzon. Starting October 21, 2024, CEB will operate daily flights between Clark and Tagbilaran, allowing passengers to access more domestic destinations from Clark International Airport. As an added treat, CEB has an ongoing seat sale until August 15, 2024 allowing passengers to book their flights from Clark to Tagbilaran for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will be from October 21, 2024 to March 31, 2025. “We are thrilled to launch our direct flights between Clark and Tagbilaran. Bohol is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique wildlife. This new route supports our commitment to provide every Juan with more opportunities to explore and discover the Philippines, one island at a time,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. With direct flights from Clark, travelers may now easily visit tourist attractions in Bohol such as the Chocolate Hills, check out the tarsier which is considered one of the smallest primates in the world, or try out some of the province’s delicacies. Recently, CEB also resumed direct flights between Clark and four other domestic destinations – Davao, General Santos, Iloilo and Puerto Princesa – strengthening connectivity and accessibility to the Visayas-Mindanao region. Aside from these, CEB also operates flights to other domestic destinations including Caticlan and Cebu, as well as to international destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Narita, and Singapore. CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, recently welcomed three (3) aircraft deliveries in quick succession, further boosting its operational resilience and meeting the resurgent demand for air travel. The newly accepted aircraft touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila and included an A330neo, which arrived on July 26, and an A320neo and A320ceo delivered on August 3 and 4, respectively. This brings the total number of aircraft that CEB has received so far this year to 10. “Our continuous fleet expansion efforts underscore our commitment to provide safe, affordable, and accessible flights for every Juan. As the demand for air travel to continues to rise, we are confident that we will be able to cater to more passengers looking to connect with other people or discover new destinations with Cebu Pacific,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15 percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation. The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions. On July 2, CEB announced that it has signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for USD $24 billion (PHP 1.4 trillion) based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history. CEB operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversified commercial fleet mix of nine (9) Airbus 330s, 39 Airbus 320s, 22 Airbus 321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.      

BAGUIO CITY — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC) recently signed a contract of lease with Baguio Mountainscapes Inc. (BMI), a subsidiary of Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), for a 730-square meter property within Camp John Hay, Baguio City. The property was leased out to BMI to be developed into a modern American all-day breakfast restaurant that features classic American favorites with Cordilleran twists. This project marks the second partnership between BCDA, JMHC, and FDC within Camp John Hay’s grounds, succeeding the currently-being-constructed Grafik Pine House Baguio. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joshua M. Bingcang, who was in attendance as a witness, expressed how this partnership symbolizes the future of Camp John Hay. PCEO Bingcang stated, “Filinvest Development Corp. has a vision for what to do with the BCDA property.”  Additionally, he sees this as an opportunity to aid in elevating Camp John Hay’s status as an investment destination. During the signing, JHMC President and CEO Marlo Ignacio V. Quadra also shared his excitement for the collaboration. “This partnership marks a new beginning for us—a new chapter for us. It is more than just a lease agreement, it is a partnership that reflects our shared vision of growth and innovation,” PCEO Quadra said. The prime property will be utilized as a new restaurant, the Hay Diner, designed to encapsulate Baguio’s rich heritage while also adding modern sustainable touches. According to  BMI President and CEO Francis Nathaniel Gotianun, the restaurant is aimed at “enhancing the hospitality and culinary landscape of the iconic destination.” “We are grateful for the support of BCDA and the John Hay Management Corp. Together, we will reinvigorate the local tourism industry,” he added.        

Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG)  is collaborating with Nasdaq-listed firm Ribbon Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: RBBN) to pioneer in the Philippines the latter’s leading-edge Apollo optical networking system which will optimize data transmission across the internet provider’s backbone network. Converge is breaking ground on Ribbon’s 5 nanometer (nm) – 140Gbaud transmission chipset that will expand its fiber network capacity from its existing 800 Gigabits per second (Gbps) to 1.2 Terabit per second (Tbps) per channel within the network, offering thrice the needed capacity for hyperscale applications that typically require around 400 Gbps. According to Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy, the said technology will equip its network to meet the increasing demand for large-scale capacity amid the rapid surge in data consumption and acceleration of cloud-native applications and services. “Ribbon’s solution surpasses our stringent requirements for this overlay on our existing backbone, enabling us to set a new standard for innovation. This new technology will bring our customers unprecedented speed and high bandwidth availability amid the growing demand for data-intensive applications,” said Uy. Compared to the existing network technology, Ribbon’s 5-nm chipset delivers superior performance, is more energy efficient, and has better heat management capabilities. This makes it one of the most sustainable technology for optical networks available today. In the long term, these advancements are expected to not only result in significant power and cost savings for Converge but also make its network more efficient as it improves reliability, enhances data transfer speeds, and supports scalability. Likewise, Converge is also leveraging Ribbon’s Muse SDN Domain Orchestration, which provides the necessary toolsets to maximize its network capabilities and ensure peak efficiency with automation, planning, node design, and real-time control. “We’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with Converge ICT with this major new deployment. Coupled with our technology, our local presence and proven round-the-clock after-sales support are key factors in our ability to support Converge ICT as they ramp their network to meet increasing demand for capacity,” said Ribbon COO and EVP Sam Bucci. Texas-based Ribbon Communications Inc. is a global provider of real-time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions to many of the world’s largest service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators to modernize and protect their networks. The network technology adoption is just one of the several investments Converge made over the years to augment its network infrastructure. In 2021, Converge doubled its metro backbone capacity to 800 Gbps from its previous capacity of 400 Gbps. Recently, Converge also inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with another US-based technology leader Super Micro Computer Inc. to jointly establish AI-powered, green data centers in the Philippines.

Robinsons Hotels & Resorts (RHR) signs Hira Holdings, Incorporated (HHI) for a ten-year Management Agreement to bring global hospitality standards with a unique Filipino heart of  service to Siargao. This partnership envisions to open an exquisite eco-friendly villa resort by 2026 at Brgy. Malinao, General Luna in Siargao Island, with a total land area of 2,856 square meters. Hira Holdings Inc. (HHI), known as the first franchisee of the country’s leading quick-service  restaurant – Jollibee, confidently ventures into hotel development because of its confidence with  RHR as it aligns with their vision to propel the Philippines at the forefront of the Southeast Asian  tourism industry. “We are grateful to RHR for opening this opportunity to us. We are confident with the brands and  capacity of Robinsons Hotels that’s why it was easy for us to trust and sign with our very first hotel  and we look forward to building more with them in the future,” said Mr. Haresh Hiranand, President  of Hira Holdings Inc. Robinsons Hotels & Resorts (RHR), the country’s leading hospitality group, is proud to have this  project included in its growing hotel portfolio. RHR has 30 hotels strategically located nationwide under five local hotel brands namely, Go Hotels, Go Hotels Plus, Summit Hotels and Resorts,  Grand Summit Hotels and Fili Hotel. Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head of Robinsons Hotels & Resorts,  expressed his enthusiasm, “We are delighted to have this meaningful partnership with Hira  Holdings Inc., a company that holds the same values with RHR. This partnership signifies a step  forward in our mission to continuously expand our presence geographically while maintaining our  commitment to exceptional service and sustainable practices.” Hira Holdings Inc. shares RHR’s vision of promoting sustainable tourism and delivering high quality hospitality experiences. This collaboration aims to boost Siargao’s tourism appeal while  providing guests with a serene retreat that reflects the island’s charm and tranquility. Siargao, famous for its world-class surfing spots, has seen significant growth in tourism over  recent years. A whopping 529,822 tourist arrivals were recorded in 2023 vs 2022’s count of  125,008 tourist arrivals. This burgeoning popularity makes Siargao an ideal location for RHR’s  newest luxury venture. Barun adds that RHR’s expansion plans have diversified to include franchising and management  agreements. “We are confident in the bullish economic projection of the country and with our  expertise in hotel brand development we would like to enable optimistic investors who want to  venture into the hospitality industry as well.”

Universal Robina Corp. (URC) is making its first foray into the meals preparation mega-category with a new breading mix that offers a better – and very appealing – alternative to brands currently available on grocery shelves. “VegiGood!  is a smarter way to get kids to eat vegetables”, said Mian D. David, URC’s Chief Marketing Officer. VegiGood!, which is available in leading supermarkets, groceries, market stalls and sari-sari stores, has been formulated in a way that it is as appetizing as its main competitors, but with a twist: It actually contains carrots and malunggay, real vegetables. “It is still an all-in-one, crunchy-style breading mix that has a blend of tasty seasonings and spices.  But it’s also something meant to help mothers give their kids a better diet,” said David. “The taste and crunch are still there, so it won’t dampen the children’s enthusiasm and appetite,” said David. Tests have shown that consumers like VegiGood! because of taste combined with its crispy and crunchy texture. The market for cooking aids and culinary aids – meal mixes and sauces – grew 12 percent in 2022 and 19 percent in the first quarter of 2023.  It accounts for 7.8 percent of the food market. “URC aims to grow the business by entering the meal occasions market, delighting consumers with tasty, quality, innovative mealtime solutions, relevant to Filipino families,” said David. URC has been producing iconic food and beverage brands such as Great Taste, C2 Cool & Clean, Piattos, Maxx candy and Cream-O cookies, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for almost 70 years. One of the country’s largest food and beverage manufacturers, URC also has a significant, and growing, presence in ASEAN. Its leading regional brands include Lexus, Tivoli and Fun-O.

As the lingering warmth of summer gradually fades away, there’s no better time to gather around the table and savor the comforting flavors of classic family recipes. From the kitchens of celebrity home cooks Richard Gomez and Marjorie Barretto, here are some delightful recipes- all made with Dona Elena Olive Oil – that the family will surely enjoy. From nourishing recipes to dishes that call for rich and hearty ingredients, these celebrity home cooks prove that with Doña Elena, the possibilities are endless.   Begin with Simplicity: Richard’s Simple and Flavorful Chicken Rice Recipe is a testament to the versatility of Doña Elena Pure Olive Oil. Ideal for everyday cooking, this olive oil variant is perfect for sautéing and light frying, making it a staple for this one-pot dish. The dish is not only easy to prepare but also brimming with health benefits from the olive oil, such as antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It’s the perfect meal for a family Sunday lunch or a cozy dinner.   Festive Delight: Transform your dining table into a festive Filipino feast with Richard’s Version Of Lengua Estofado, where the rich and tender ox tongue is simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce infused with Doña Elena Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Ideal for special occasions or as a celebratory centerpiece, this Lengua Estofado is a culinary masterpiece that combines traditional Filipino flavors with the wholesome goodness of Doña Elena’s finest olive oil, Doña Elena Diced Tomatoes, and Doña Elena Pitted Green Olives.   Rice to the Occasion. In a rush to make a mid-week dinner or have unexpected guests call in? All you need is cold leftover rice and pantry staples like shrimp, eggs, frozen vegetables, and  the ideal for everyday cooking Doña Elena Pure Olive Oil. Marjorie’s simple yet satisfying Shrimp Fried Rice is a cinch to make and destined to be on repeat in your menu rotation.   A Crowd Favorite: Perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sophistication, Marjorie’s Chicken Cordon Bleu stands out with its tender chicken breasts, wrapped around a savory combination of ham and cheese, all coated in a golden breadcrumb crust. This classic dish is elevated by the use of the ideal for frying Doña Elena Pomace Olive Oil, which not only adds a subtle richness to the chicken but also brings with it a host of health benefits, including a high content of antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.   Celebrities like Richard Gomez and Marjorie Barretto remind us that cooking is an art form, a means of expression that brings heartwarming memories to the dining table. With Doña Elena Olive Oil, every meal becomes an opportunity to create something extraordinary and will impress family and friends.   About Doña Elena Doña Elena is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation in the Philippines. It is the consistent No. 1 Olive Oil brand according to NielsenIQ. Available in three (3) variants, Extra Virgin, Pure, and Pomace which comes in 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 Liter glass bottles, and 5 Liter PET bottle sizes. For more tips, recipes, and promos visit @donaelenacuisineraclub on Facebook and Instagram.

Globe reminds its customers to remain compliant with the SIM Registration Act by keeping their data up to date in its online SIM registration platform in case some of their details have changed since they first registered their SIM. The SIM Registration Act, enacted in December 2022, mandates the registration of all SIMs to enhance public safety and security by serving as a deterrent against SIM-aided criminal activity. The law requires SIM users to register using correct and complete details, including the submission of a verifiable photo ID. Customers may easily update their registration details as needed: ●       Change in residential address ●       Change in last name after getting married or legally changing it. ●       Updated valid government ID “We understand that life circumstances may change, and it’s essential for customers to reflect those changes in their SIM registration information,” said Darius Delgado, Globe Vice President and Head of Consumer Mobile Business. “Our goal is to make the update process as convenient as possible, ensuring that they remain compliant with the law while minimizing any potential disruptions to their mobile services.” Globe encourages all its customers to take advantage of this easy edit option, launched in June last year, to remain compliant with the law. Globe also reminds customers to submit accurate details and a real photo ID as providing false information or failing to update SIM registration details could result in penalties under the law. Each customer may update SIM Registration details for up to two times a year. To update SIM registration details on the portal, customers can follow these simple steps: ● Log in to the Globe SIM registration portal. ●       Navigate to the registration section and select the “Edit” option. ●       Make the necessary changes to personal information, such as name, address, email, and profile photo. ●       Save the updated information and ensure that the changes are correctly stored. Globe is committed to maintaining a secure and reliable SIM registration system. The company continuously improves its systems to safeguard user data and maintain the integrity of its services. Key security measures that Globe has initiated for SIM registration include advanced encryption protocols to secure data transmitted during the registration process, live photo capture technology to prevent the use of stock or pre-existing photos, and limited ID submission retries to prevent random or repeated attempts to register with fictitious documents. By ensuring that all SIM registration details are up to date, Globe and its customers can work together to create a safer and more secure telecommunications environment in the country.