Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has been recognized as the fastest-growing brand in the country and ranked sixth among the strongest Philippine brands in 2025 by a London-based brand valuation firm, highlighting the airline’s continuous efforts to strengthen its network, operations, and services. Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy firm, cited CEB’s commitment to operational expansion and service enhancements as factors contributing to its relentless growth as it highlighted the international new routes that the airline launched from Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo last year. CEB’s brand value has risen by 86% to USD 386 million in 2025, according to Brand Finance’s 2025 report on the most valuable and strongest Filipino brands. CEB also received a Brand Strength Index Score of 89.1, placing sixth among the strongest Filipino brands. Within the local aviation sector, CEB achieved the highest growth rate.It also noted the 26% rise in CEB’s passenger traffic and 15% increase in revenue for 2025, as well as the boost in the airline’s cargo business with nearly 36 million kilograms transported between April and June 2024. “With new routes, record passenger numbers, and a booming cargo business, the airline is strengthening its presence both in the Philippines and across Asia,” Brand Finance said. To further meet the growing demand for air travel and support its long-term growth, CEB in 2024 placed an order of up to 152 aircraft from Airbus — the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history — a move that “underscores the airline’s commitment to scaling up operations and reinforces its position as a leading player in the low-cost carrier segment,” Brand Finance added. “Cebu Pacific’s recognition as the fastest-growing Filipino brand reflects our dedication to serving the needs of our customers. Our strong brand growth highlights not only the impact of our continued investment in expanding our operations, but also the trust and loyalty of our passengers. This milestone inspires us to keep pushing forward — offering more flights, upgrading our services, and making air travel easier and more accessible for every Juan,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. Brand Finance used a mix of financial analysis and consumer insight to determine the value of top Filipino brands. The firm calculates brand worth using the “Royalty Relief” method, which estimates how much a company would pay to license its own brand name. This approach factors in projected revenues and industry-standard royalty rates to determine a brand’s financial value. To measure brand strength, Brand Finance surveyed over 175,000 respondents to assess their perception of more than 6,000 brands worldwide. These insights are combined with real-world data to assign each brand a Brand Strength Index score, which plays a key role in the final valuation. With its signature seat sales and year-round low fares, CEB remains as the airline of choice for many Filipinos, maintaining a market share of 57% for May 2025. Since 1996, the airline has flown over 250 million passengers, with 7 million passengers serviced in the first quarter of 2025 alone. CEB also offers the widest domestic network among Philippine carriers, currently flying to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.                

Subic Bay Freeport – The Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, His Excellency Miguel Ultray Delgado visited this premier Freeport and explored opportunities for more Spanish companies to invest here. During his visit to Subic Bay Freeport on May 22, 2025, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño welcomed Ambassador Delgado at the administration building. The Embassy’s Trade and Economic Counsellor Silvia Torices de la Varga, Market Analyst Jose Primo Santos Mendoza, Economic and Commercial Attache’ Pedro González Lendínez, and Metalyset CEO Jose Moreno Sanchez Perez were part of the delegation. “Subic Bay stands now as a beacon of economic potential, and if it can sustain this progress, it can become a premier logistics and trade hub in Southeast Asia,” Delgado said. Delgado added that as proof of its progress, Subic Bay Freeport was named as among the best Economic Zones in the world in the White Paper study that the Spanish company IDOM is preparing, together with FEMOZA (World Free and Special Economic Zones Federation). According to Delgado, their visit came at a perfect time as the Spanish government takes an interest in Subic with several Spanish firms from a variety of sectors. “We have brought here the best possible example with Mr. Moreno and Metalyset, and we expect to bring more in the following years,” he added. Metalyset is an international technical and industrial services company founded in 2008 in Spain by professionals with extensive experience in the metalworking industry. The company has been continuously expanding and growing, developing increasingly large-scale projects until its international expansion in 2015. Meanwhile, Chairman Aliño said that the visit is a testament to the strong ties between the Philippines and Spain, as one of the most historic sites in the Subic Bay Freeport is the Spanish Gate, the original gate of Subic. Also present during the delegation’s visit is Xantheng Subic International Corporation Assistant to the CEO, Best Chang, who provided a glimpse of the various Taiwanese investments in Subic Freeport, including the Tipo High-tech Eco Park (THEP) and the Subic Bay Gateway Park (SBGP). Chairman Aliño thanked the Spanish government for its unwavering support in helping develop the Philippines into an economic powerhouse in the sectors of renewable energy, sustainable tourism, and maritime education. Ambassador Delgado said, “By leveraging our shared history and mutual aspirations, we can foster a future that embraces innovation and inclusivity. Subic Bay, with its storied past and promising future, stands as a symbol of our enduring friendship and shared commitment to progress.”

Dividends remitted by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to the national government reached a record-high of Php2.04 billion in 2025, marking a 30.68% jump from last year’s Php1.56 billion. This milestone underscores BCDA’s growing fiscal contribution driven by efficient revenue generation and expenditure management. The remittance, formally turned over to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on 15 May 2025, represents 80% of the BCDA’s net earnings in 2024—well above the 50% minimum required by Republic Act 7656 (the Dividend Law), and exceeding the Department of Finance’s (DOF) call for government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to remit at least 75% of their net income. This is on top of the Php3.13 billion remitted by the BCDA as a share of asset disposition proceeds collected in 2024, slated for distribution to several beneficiary agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This is also in addition to the Php46 million guarantee fees paid by the BCDA to the BTr in relation to the government’s loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project. Together, these figures bring the BCDA’s total remittance to the BTr to Php5.21 billion as of mid-May. “The BCDA’s record-high dividend remittance is a proof of the agency’s robust financial position, driven by our unwavering commitment to transform former military bases into bustling economic hubs through high-impact public-private partnerships,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “More than contributing to the state coffers, these dividends will provide crucial support for the national government’s programs and further fuel our collective efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country,” he added. The Dividend Law mandates all GOCCs to declare and remit at least 50% of their net earnings as dividends. To further boost the national government’s non-tax revenues, the DOF has asked GOCCs to raise this to at least 75%. The BCDA, pursuant to Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act, is also mandated to contribute a portion of its income from the sale, lease or joint venture developments of former military camps in Metro Manila to the AFP for its modernization program, as well as other beneficiary agencies. Dividends remitted by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to the national government reached a record-high of Php2.04 billion in 2025, marking a 30.68% jump from last year’s Php1.56 billion. This milestone underscores BCDA’s growing fiscal contribution driven by efficient revenue generation and expenditure management. The remittance, formally turned over to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on 15 May 2025, represents 80% of the BCDA’s net earnings in 2024—well above the 50% minimum required by Republic Act 7656 (the Dividend Law), and exceeding the Department of Finance’s (DOF) call for government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to remit at least 75% of their net income. This is on top of the Php3.13 billion remitted by the BCDA as a share of asset disposition proceeds collected in 2024, slated for distribution to several beneficiary agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This is also in addition to the Php46 million guarantee fees paid by the BCDA to the BTr in relation to the government’s loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project. Together, these figures bring the BCDA’s total remittance to the BTr to Php5.21 billion as of mid-May. “The BCDA’s record-high dividend remittance is a proof of the agency’s robust financial position, driven by our unwavering commitment to transform former military bases into bustling economic hubs through high-impact public-private partnerships,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang. “More than contributing to the state coffers, these dividends will provide crucial support for the national government’s programs and further fuel our collective efforts to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country,” he added. The Dividend Law mandates all GOCCs to declare and remit at least 50% of their net earnings as dividends. To further boost the national government’s non-tax revenues, the DOF has asked GOCCs to raise this to at least 75%. The BCDA, pursuant to Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act, is also mandated to contribute a portion of its income from the sale, lease or joint venture developments of former military camps in Metro Manila to the AFP for its modernization program, as well as other beneficiary agencies.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) carried 2.3 million passengers in April 2025, an 18.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Seat load factor (SLF) reached 83.8% on the back of seat growth of 20.1%. Domestic passengers grew 13.8% versus April 2024 on 17.3% higher seats, with a SLF of 85.7%. International passenger traffic, meanwhile, grew 32.2% year over year to 27.7% higher seats, which drove a 2.7 percentage point increase in SLF to 79.0%. For year-to-date 2025, CEB passengers grew to 9.2 million, marking a 24.2% increase from 7.4 million in 2024. Domestic passengers grew 24.2% to 6.8 million, while international passengers grew 24.3% to 2.4 million. SLF averaged 84.6%, while overall capacity for seats grew 23.6% to 10.9 million. “Passenger traffic performance remains strong with continued growth in passenger volumes and high seat load factors. International passenger numbers have increased by over 32% year over year, outpacing capacity expansion. These positive trends reinforce our favorable outlook for the second quarter. We are committed to optimizing our capacity to meet the rising consumer demand while managing engine and supply chain challenges,” said Mark Cezar, Chief Financial Officer of CEB.          

Grand Summit Hotel General Santos proudly announces the grand opening of Grazie Bistro, a specialty Italian dining concept that brings the flavors of Italy to the heart of Mindanao. This casual yet refined bistro offers guests an authentic Italian experience — from handmade pasta and pizzas to rich desserts, creamy gelato, and thoughtfully selected wines. “The idea for Grazie Bistro was born from a desire to bring something fresh and distinctive to General Santos,” said Mr. Jesse Raymond Chua, General Manager of Grand Summit Hotel General Santos. “Italian cuisine, with its warmth, artistry, and timeless appeal, felt like the perfect fit. It’s a celebration of flavor and culture”. Grazie Bistro features an open theater-style kitchen — a signature element that sets it apart from other dining venues in the city. Guest are not only served the rich, comforting flavors of Italy, but are also invited to witness the artistry behind each dish. As chefs prepare meals from scratch in full view, diners enjoy a multisensory experience that brings energy, transparency, and a deeper connection to the craft of cooking. Must-try highlights include Grazie’s signature handmade pizza and pasta, crafted using traditional methods and only the finest ingredients. Cap off your meal with a scoop of authentic Italian gelato, or pair your dish with a glass of Italian wine or a refreshing aperitivo for a truly indulgent experience. The name Grazie — which literally means “thank you” — reflects the bistro’s brand promise: to promote a positive environment by appreciating the joy of food in every bite. This spirit of gratitude transcends the plate, as we thank each guest for choosing to dine with us. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your love for Italian cuisine, Grazie Bistro promises a grand dining experience where tradition, passion, and gratitude come together. For reservations or inquiries, please visit https://grandsummithotels.ph, call +63 998 888 7788, or email us at reservations@summithotels.ph. About Grand Summit General Santos: Grand Summit Hotel General Santos is an upscale hotel under Robinsons Hotels & Resorts, offering elevated accommodations and curated experiences for both business and leisure travelers. Strategically located in the heart of General Santos City, the hotel features contemporary guest rooms, versatile function spaces, a grand ballroom, and exceptional dining concepts—all designed to provide warmth, comfort, and genuine hospitality.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) looks to continue its rapid growth, leveraging on 2024 fleet and network development. During its annual stockholders’ meeting, CEB Chairman Lance Gokongwei highlighted the importance of the company’s continued commitment to excellence, expansion of its network and strategic investment in aircraft. “Our work over the past couple of years have placed Cebu Pacific in a position to take advantage of the Philippine growth story, and we are confident that our airline will continue to reach new highs – on the back of the outstanding work of the organization, other stakeholders, and of course, your unwavering support,” Gokongwei said at CEB’s annual stockholders’ meeting. The company finished 2024 with significant growth in revenues through record breaking passenger numbers and a consistently strong seat load factor throughout the year. To support its growth and ensure operational resilience amid industry challenges, CEB took delivery of 17 aircraft in 2024 and pushed forward with the development of hubs across the country, to ensure that more people have access to affordable air travel. CEB Chief Executive Officer Michael Szucs noted how these strategic investments in hubs and aircraft have been key catalysts to CEB’s growth. “By seizing these opportunities, we have not only outpaced competition but also solidified our position as industry leader,” Szucs said. In 2024, CEB’s growth strategy enabled it to become the leader in the Philippine international market, while strengthening its leadership in the domestic market. Szucs expressed confidence in CEB’s continued growth in 2025, noting how early months of 2025 show that the market is already absorbing the additional capacity, and how this will also strengthen the company’s overall financial position. He also expressed his optimism in the long-term growth potential of Philippine aviation, driven by the country’s economic, geographic and demographic advantages. Underpinning this view is CEB’s historic order for up to 152 aircraft signed in 2024, showing its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ continued growth and development, and securing its leadership position well into the next decade.

Investments generated by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) more than tripled to Php7.72 billion in the first quarter of the year, reflecting strong investor confidence amid the state-run firm’s intensified efforts to develop dynamic growth centers, particularly New Clark City in Tarlac and Camp John Hay in Baguio City. Total approved investments facilitated by the BCDA reached Php7.72 billion from January to March 2025, a 209.9% jump from Php2.49 billion in the same quarter last year. “The BCDA’s strong performance is a testament to the private sector’s steadfast confidence in the long-term potential of our economic zones, including New Clark City and Camp John Hay. These high-impact investments will surely help spur increased business activity and drive economic growth, providing more employment and livelihood opportunities for the local communities,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. Bulk of BCDA’s investment portfolio during the period came from local investors, contributing Php5.81 billion, while the remaining Php1.91 billion was infused by foreign investors. Among the major players is Science Park of the Philippines Inc., a local real estate developer that signed a 50-year contract lease for the development of a 100-hectare industrial park in New Clark City with a total project cost of Php2.7 billion. Another major investor is the Filipino-South Korean consortium composed of Sta. Clara International Corporation, Saekyung Realty Corporation, and Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation. The group has committed to invest Php4.8 billion to build an affordable housing facility in New Clark City, a portion of which will be allocated for the Marcos administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program. Four local corporations have also partnered with the BCDA for the continued development of the hospitality and food industries in Camp John Hay, following the government’s recovery of the 247-hectare leased area within this popular ecotourism zone. These include Stern Real Estate and Development Corp., which committed to invest Php178 million for the continued lease and expansion of the iconic Le Monet Hotel and Filling Station food court. Food and beverage firms Top Taste and Trading Inc., Amare La Cucina, and Prime Collective Corp. have also signed agreements to establish new restaurants and cafes in the area. Both Top Taste and Prime Collective have pledged Php20 million in investments each, while Amare has committed Php30 million. “As we continue to build inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready cities, we invite more investors to explore vast opportunities within our ecozones and to become partners in driving transformative, game-changing projects that will help shape the future of our nation,” Engr. Bingcang said. BCDA, a government instrumentality vested with corporate powers under Republic Act 7227, remains a major force in creating economic opportunities in the country through its establishment of integrated developments, dynamic business centers, and vibrant communities.        

The rise of the internet and enhanced connectivity usage has significantly transformed daily life, making us more interconnected and raising our expectations for immediacy. In this evolving landscape, LBC Express Incorporated has solidified its position as the Philippines’ leader in retail and corporate courier and cargo services, money remittance, and logistics solutions for the global Filipino. Its established reputation is reinforced by its extensive national presence and history of service and innovation. Founded in the 1950s as a modest brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC Express has evolved into a market leader, introducing Filipinos to express 24-hour door-to-door delivery, cargo shipping, and money remittance. Over the years, the company has continuously adapted to the fast-paced demands of the digital era, expanding into e-commerce, business, and payment solutions. Today, LBC Express not only specializes in logistics and remittance services but also plays a pivotal role in facilitating business and e-commerce transactions, bridging the gap between businesses and consumers. As LBC Express continues its trajectory of innovation, the importance of reliable connectivity in the logistics and remittance sectors becomes more evident. Senior Vice President and Head of IT, Alexander Francis “Alfie” Deato, emphasizes, “In today’s fast-paced environment, having a reliable connectivity provider is crucial for business operations. Whether it’s tracking deliveries, processing payments, or sending remittances, connectivity is key to meeting customer expectations.” He further highlights the growth of LBC’s services, noting, “When I first joined LBC Express 11 years ago, real-time updates were not standard practice. Today, they are a necessity. We must provide updates in real-time—or as close to real-time as possible—to ensure complete customer satisfaction.” LBC Express’ strategic partnership with Philippines’ leading fiber broadband and technology provider, Converge ICT Solutions Inc., has been integral in meeting the connectivity demands required to ensure seamless operations. The company’s commitment to efficiency and speed is evident in its ability to offer services globally, ensuring swift, transparent transfers of both money and packages. Powered by Converge’s pure fiber connectivity, LBC guarantees expedited services, keeping customers informed with real-time updates at every stage of the process, ensuring customers can access their funds and parcels whenever and wherever needed. Deato adds, “Converge being a full fiber connectivity allowed us to expand our many branches. We’ve been pushing Converge to expand outside Luzon which has helped us expand our fiber connectivity all the way to our remote branches in Visayas and Mindanao which gave us the ability to offer more online services to our customers. This expansion has enabled us to expand our services and become less reliant on offline solutions.” With over 1,500 branches and 200 hubs across the Philippines, LBC Express is able to provide seamless, cost-effective services, even in the most remote regions. This connectivity boosts not only logistics operations but also LBC’s e-commerce and payment solutions, giving businesses the tools needed to succeed in a competitive market. LBC Express’ focus on inclusivity is evident in its efforts to reach underserved regions. Mr. Deato explains, “We do not restrict our operations to major cities where profitability is guaranteed. Like Converge, we are committed to serving unserved and underserved areas, ensuring that even places like Batanes, where connectivity is sparse, are not left behind.” This dedication to inclusivity aligns with LBC’s mission to link and bridge Filipinos, ensuring access to services despite geographic barriers. From its humble beginnings as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC Express has remained a leader in the logistics and remittance industry. Through its collaboration with Converge ICT Solutions Inc., LBC has enhanced its operations and digital offerings, ensuring its services reach all Filipinos, no matter how remote. This commitment to efficient and cost-effective solutions strengthens customer trust and solidifies LBC’s position as the most trusted courier for the global Filipino. Mr. Deato concludes, “Customers trust us because they find peace of mind with us. When they hand a package to LBC, they know it will reach its destination. This trust is the result of decades of innovation, dedication, and service.”        

The Social Security System (SSS) recognized an exemplary Baguio-based hotel for ensuring the social security protection of its employees by religiously complying with its legal obligations under the law. SSS Baguio Assistant Branch Head Rosalie Ma. Rachel Castaneto (6th from left) presented a Certificate of Recognition to Sotogrande Baguio Hotel, Inc. officers, which was received by its General Manager Mimi Dib (5th from left) for being a role model employer in fulfilling the provisions of Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018. Castaneto commended Sotogrande Baguio Hotel, Inc. for its timely remittance of the SSS contributions of its 24 employees, ensuring that the hotel’s workers will not be deprived of the social security benefits that the law provided them with. “We urge other business establishments in the region to follow the example of the hotel and become a reliable partner in social security protection,” she said.