Now in its 20th year, Global Executive Solutions Group highlights the impact of leadership in shaping organizations and industries that contribute significantly to the economy. As one of the preferred executive search firms in the Philippines, Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) has quietly shaped the leadership landscape that comprise of conglomerates and multinationals to emerging SMEs. In fact, a nation’s economy depends on its industries, such as financials, industrials, and services. Thus, strong conglomerates and organizations with effective leadership at the helm are crucial for a country’s continued economic growth. As a trusted contributor to this landscape, GESG is sharing its insights on leadership recruitment, transformation, and creating a significant impact by strategically identifying the right fit for the right kind of leader that drives organizations. Strong and effective leadership can be measured across three levels: organization, industry, and  economy. Leaders can make or break organizations, and an effective leader ensures the organization’s self-sufficiency and resilience. As a result, these leaders become visionaries who raise industry standards and foster healthy competition between similar organizations, bringing together best practices that can affect entire sectors. Finally, at a macro level, effective leadership drives job creation, global investment, and sector expansion. Even a single leadership decision can spur progress for a nation at large. This ripple effect is aided and facilitated by firms like GESG, whose proactive, targeted recruitment approach helps build high-performing teams that can work towards promotion of national progress. “Great corporate leadership does not only guide a company, it also contributes to a nation’s economic development, and cultural and social progress,” shared Ray Canilao, President and CEO of GESG. “A great corporate leader has a vision for the future that drives not just a single organization but also sustainable growth and stability in a country.” It is this mindset that directs GESG’s considerations in executive search and placement. Through its 20 years of practice, GESG has refined a five-point evaluation framework that balances technical qualifications with cultural alignment. This approach has earned the trust and loyalty of clients for over a decade, and considers: Organizational culture fit: ensuring leaders can thrive within a company’s unique values and environment; Career trajectory: aligning opportunities with a candidate’s long-term professional goals; Leadership style: matching management approaches to organizational needs; Financial and operational stability: gauging an organization’s ability to sustain business performance and fulfill a candidate’s compensation expectations; and Work-life integration: recognizing the personal factors that influence long-term leadership success. “Executive search is an organization’s external support, a partner of CEOs and human resource professionals. It becomes a strategic ally in identifying the right organizational leaders to fulfill the vision of these companies by building itself from the ground up and sustaining its business operations,” Canilao added. Aside from conglomerate leadership, GESG’s placements have gone on to head major organizations, professionalize startups, and return world-class Filipino leaders to the Philippines, contributing to industry transformation and national growth. By providing proactive, intuitive recruitment, the firm continues to be a trusted partner in helping companies fulfill their vision. As GESG enters its third decade, a new generation of leadership will require leaders who are innovative, resilient, adaptable and empathetic—ones who can keep up with the demands of digital transformation, sustainability, and the evolving needs and attitudes of workforces. GESG remains committed to its main strength: nurturing the human relationships that define its service. “Substantially, the competitive advantage of nations, companies whether big or small, conglomerate or multinational, are in the quality of its leaders,” Canilao concluded. “Leaders should always be strong but with compassion, empathy, and integrity. Integrity is a core value and foundation of our work.” About Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) Global Executive Solutions Group (GESG) is one of the Philippines’ leading executive search firms, with 20 years of experience placing mid- to senior-level leaders across industries. Known for its personalized, relationship-driven approach and rigorous five-point evaluation framework, GESG has become a trusted partner for conglomerates, multinationals, and SMEs in building leadership teams that drive organizational and national progress.  

  CORDILLERA, Philippines — The Cordillera’s weaving traditions continue to prosper as the journey moves to the province of Kalinga. At the Mabilong Weavers Village in Lubuagan, the group was warmly welcomed by the local government unit, led by Mayor Joel B. Tagaotao and represented by Mr. Jet-jet James B. Tagaotao, the Municipal Administrator. Known as the “Weaving Capital of Kalinga,” Mabilong is home to skilled artisans whose intricate designs reflect the history, identity, and pride of their people. Here, participants witnessed how weaving is not only an art form but also a lifeline that sustains families and strengthens community bonds. The experience was made even more memorable with a slow food lunch at Awichon Village, thoughtfully prepared by the Pasil Slow Food Community. Each dish served was a reflection of local heritage, showcasing native ingredients and traditional methods that embody the deep connection between food, culture, and the land. In the afternoon, the team proceeded to Tabuk City, where they met with the Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association (KINWA Etnika Handicrafts). The delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Florence Ao-wat, founder of KINWA, together with Ms. Geraldine Angnganay from the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office. What makes KINWA particularly remarkable is its inclusivity. The association is composed not only of women weavers but also of persons with disabilities (PWDs) who have found purpose and empowerment through this livelihood. By opening opportunities for all, KINWA demonstrates how weaving is not only an art form but also a thread that stitches together social inclusion, resilience, and dignity. As the Cordillera Weaving Communities Tour Circuit approaches its final day, the value of weaving in community life shines even brighter. Weaving is not only a cultural treasure but also a living tradition that thrives through the partnership of local artisans, tour operators, and the tourism sector. By integrating weaving into meaningful travel experiences, we help sustain these traditions while creating opportunities for communities to flourish. This tour is more than a journey through weaving villages—it is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring threads that bind culture, community, and tourism in the Cordilleras. (DoT-CAR)

Every weave tells a story. For generations of Filipino weavers, each strand on the loom has carried history, identity, and pride. These artisans rise before dawn, sit before their looms, and let their hands speak in color and thread, each pattern a reflection of communities and cultures that refuse to fade. Like the weavers, whose craft demands patience and an eye for detail, Captain Niel Siñel follows his own intricate sequence in the cockpit. Where the weaver pulls the strands tight and guides yarn through the loom, Siñel moves through switches and levers with the same deliberate attention. It’s a routine that the Cebu Pacific pilot lives by, knowing that precision is what keeps every flight safe. “Before any aircraft is dispatched for flight, it has to meet stringent regulatory requirements to ensure that the highest level of safety is met in all aspects,” Siñel said, recalling his safety checklist. “Part of which also is to assess the weather if it satisfies the prescribed conditions, including that of the alternate airports.” Because of his commitment to safety, Siñel was recognized as one of Cebu Pacific’s top-performing pilots, a distinction given to those who go above and beyond in serving passengers and providing them with reliable and comfortable flights. As a symbol of honor, he and his fellow honorees received a special tie crafted in the Binakol weaving tradition of Ilocos Norte. Once reserved for important occasions, the Binakol tie now serves as a badge of excellence and inspiration for all other pilots of the airline. Though their worlds rarely intersect, Filipino weavers and Cebu Pacific’s flight crew share the same devotion: to create meaningful stories and lasting memories for others. One weaves fabric, the other weaves journeys, but both do so with hands refined by craftsmanship, and hearts dedicated to excellence and service for every Juan. Keeping Filipino Traditions Alive In-Flight Inside the cabin, Cezzye Basa moves through her own ritual. She checks safety equipment, briefs her team, and straightens her scarf—a small gesture that signals she’s ready to welcome hundreds of passengers on board. “I’ve been with CEB for 11 wonderful years,” Basa said, her smile reflecting the ease and confidence that come from more than a decade of service. Like Siñel, Basa is one of Cebu Pacific’s top-performing cabin crew, and she was given a Ramit scarf featuring the traditional weave of Occidental Mindoro, woven with nature-inspired patterns passed down through generations. Like the Ramit’s distinctive bands, Basa’s service is marked by care and continuity—values she helps pass on to junior crew members. “Sa CEB, we also have our own culture. We want to hand it down to our colleagues,” she said. “The service we provide our passengers is like how they make the weaves — meticulous, hindi lang nila binabara-bara.” Siñel’s Binakol tie, with its unique patterns, for him reflects the threads that bind their identity together. “From how they make the weaves, it shows unity. It symbolizes pride, not only for me but also for my coworkers,” he said. Like the Ramit and the Binakol, the skills and mindsets of Cebu Pacific’s flight crew are rooted in tradition but adapted for today—each flight a new pattern, each journey a fresh weave. That sense of shared responsibility begins long before the doors close. In every preflight briefing, pilots and cabin crew align their goals, review safety measures, and check on one another. “On the perspective of a pilot, first we have to check ourselves. Not only me, but also our crew—we ask them if they’re ready to fly,” Siñel said. “Even though we have different jobs, we should be aligned on our intention. And it’s important for everybody, especially the crew.” Basa believes in creating a safe and open environment where her team can thrive. “During our briefing, I like to create a fun environment,” she said. “Personally, if I feel na takot sila sa’yo, they’ll be rattled throughout the flight. So, I try to be friendly and approachable to my colleagues. But at the end of the day, safety is still the priority.” Going Above and Beyond Though they work in different spaces, Siñel in the cockpit and Basa in the cabin, their craft runs parallel. Both began their journeys for different reasons—Siñel to trade the long absences of military life for more time with his family, Basa to build a career rooted in service—but they are bound by the same discipline and purpose. That unity becomes most visible during disruptions—storms and diversions—moments when training and empathy are tested. Basa recalls a particularly tense international flight, when severe weather forced a diversion to Clark. Passengers were upset at the crew, and resources were limited. “I felt helpless,” she said. “But now, we’ve become more innovative and adaptive. We have more resources, and we’re better at managing situations.” For Siñel, these moments are where professionalism defines leadership. “Whatever happens in your flight, you must take it positively. We were trained for this, and we are ready in case something happens,” he said. “Most of the passengers are understanding, just let them know what is happening.” Both also see themselves as custodians of Cebu Pacific’s culture—one woven from openness, service, and resilience. Wearing the uniform, Basa said, feels like carrying that culture visibly. “One quote that stuck to me during one of our monthly cascades is, ‘I am you, you are me.’ We represent each other. Whenever I’m in uniform, it’s not just me. We represent the company.” For Siñel, the lesson came early on. “One of the senior captains told me that before you go to the flight line, you have to be 101% ready, because the life of your crew and the life of the passengers are entrusted to you—so you must be ready.” This sense of duty is part of a larger culture, one that inspires crew members not just to be ready, but to go above and beyond in the service they provide. “For me, I don’t take it as a job that I have to do,” Basa said. “I go above and beyond because giving customer service is more

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) was named one of the Sustainability Champions at the inaugural Manila Times’ Sustainability Champions Awards 2025 for its green developments and commitment to sustainable communities. Held on September 23, 2025 with the theme “Envisioning Our Green Future,” the awards honor organizations advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The criteria for the Sustainability Champions Award considered initiative, impact, inclusiveness, and integration of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) practices and circular economy efforts, as well as alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. BCDA is transforming New Clark City into a sustainable and disaster-resilient metropolis, with 60% of its land dedicated to forests, green spaces, and parks. In partnership with state-run Korean smart water systems developer Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water), BCDA is developing advanced water facilities that recycle wastewater, while also pursuing a waste-to-energy project to convert solid waste daily into renewable power. Within New Clark City, a 39-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant will also be built. These efforts are complemented by the rollout of electric vehicles within the district to advance low-carbon mobility. Sustainability is also central to the operations of Clark International Airport (CRK) that earned the prestigious EDGE Certification, for its resource-efficient design that lowers energy, water, and material use by at least twenty percent. Meanwhile, in Camp John Hay, BCDA is leading reforestation programs, renewable energy integration into its master plan. BCDA recently launched free electric vehicle rides around the zone to promote clean mobility and tourism. “Sustainability is at the core of how we build communities,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua Bingcang. “From developing New Clark City as a model for green, disaster-resilient urban planning, as well as establishing renewable energy and clean mobility solutions in our projects in Poro Point in La Union and Camp John Hay in Baguio. We want to ensure that communities we build will thrive for future generations.” BCDA was among the 15 sustainability champions awarded alongside Aboitiz Power Corp., Development Bank of the Philippines, First Gen Corp., Globe Telecom, Land Bank of the Philippines, Manila Electric Co., Manila Water Co. Inc., Megaworld Corp., Philippine Airlines, Robinsons Land Corp., San Miguel Corp., SM Investments Corp., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., and Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.

Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has earned national recognition from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) for its outstanding implementation of Gender and Development (GAD) programs, achieving two remarkable milestones by ranking No. 1 among Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) in Highest Organization-Focused GAD Budget Expenditure, and placing No. 4 in Highest Organization-Focused GAD Budget Allocation for 2024. Representing CIAC at the PCW Awarding Ceremony recognizing agencies for their FY 2024 GAD Budget Performance last 25 September 2025 were GAD Chairperson and Chief Finance Officer Nancy C. Paglinawan and GAD Focal Person Riza G. Lozano. In its official citation, PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla praised CIAC for its exceptional commitment and remarkable performance in implementing the GAD Budget Policy. “Through its consistent allocation and utilization of GAD funds, the agency has demonstrated exemplary practice, positioning itself among the top agencies recognized for advancing gender equality commitments,” she stated. CIAC President Jojit Alcazar emphasized that CIAC’s effective use of its GAD budget reflects the organization’s broader commitment to transparency, good governance, and national gender equality goals. “This award is not just an achievement—it’s a motivation,” Alcazar added. “We are driven to further expand our initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.” In line with the Magna Carta of Women, Executive Order No. 208, and PCW-NEDA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2012-01, the Philippine Commission on Women is mandated to lead and coordinate the implementation of Gender and Development (GAD) programs across government agencies. This includes mainstreaming gender perspectives in policies and programs, ensuring the proper allocation and utilization of GAD budgets, providing technical assistance, setting policy guidelines, reviewing and endorsing GAD plans and budgets, and monitoring agency compliance.              

  The Japan Foundation, Manila announces the return of the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) to Philippine theaters this September 2025! From Metro Manila and Baguio, to Cebu, Angeles, and Davao, the much-awaited festival is back with a curated selection of 12 films featuring beloved classics alongside critically acclaimed new releases. Admission is free for all screenings. Since its inception in 1997, JFF has grown into one of the most anticipated film festivals in the Philippines, attracting around 40,000 audiences every year, and has become the largest Japanese film festival in the world. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone; timeless romances, laugh-out-loud comedies, and monumental blockbusters! The theme for this year’s festival is “Bridg(e)ing”. Films that serve as metaphorical bridges connecting the past with the future, humans with technology, body with spirit, and individual stories with community experiences. This year’s lineup hopes to inspire people to build bridges – rather than walls – and connect with each other. Opening the festival is the 4K remaster of Love Letter (1995), Shunji Iwai’s acclaimed directorial debut and a timeless masterpiece of romance. Screened in over 20 countries since its release, Love Letter is celebrated for its breathtaking snowy landscapes and the unforgettable line, Ogenki desu ka? (“How are you?”). Its influence and homage can be clearly felt in 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024), a Taiwan-Japan co-production directed by Michihito Fujii. Audiences can also look forward to a selection of masterpieces spanning genres and generations, including Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1956); the animated cult classic Ghost in the Shell (1995); Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001); A Samurai in Time (2024); the live-action adaptation of Cells at Work! (2024); and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (2024), among others. This year’s regional run at SM Cinema begins September 26 until October 5 in SM City Baguio, followed by screenings at SM City Cebu (October 3-13), SM Lanang (October 10-19), and SM City Clark (October 17-26). The festival returns to Manila for screenings at the UP Film Institute, and concludes at SM City Manila (October 17-26). This year, JFF is expanding its reach by bringing films directly to university campuses. JFF Special Screenings @ Universities will take place in November at selected institutions across parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. JFF 2025 is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JTI Philippines, Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.  For full schedules, ticketing guidelines, and venue details, please visit the official JFF 2025website (http://www.japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph), follow @jfmanila on Facebook and Instagram.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) has gained global recognition, clinching the Sustainability Aviation Lease Deal of the Year at the 2025 Airline Economics Sustainability Deals Awards in London. The award recognized CEB’s sustainability-linked Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO), which financed the delivery of a brand-new Airbus A321neo in December 2024. The Airline Economics Sustainability Awards honor companies and individuals in finance and leasing that drive meaningful progress in decarbonizing the aviation industry. Cebu Pacific chief executive officer Mike Szucs personally received the award during the ceremony at the Natural History Museum in Cromwell Road, London. CEB is the only low-cost carrier (LCC) in Southeast Asia able to secure this type of financing—a structure often reserved for a select group of global airlines. “Sustainability is integral to how we grow as an airline. By linking our financing to sustainability goals, we show that strategy and responsibility can work together. It strengthens the business, allows us to invest in modern fuel-efficient aircraft, and creates value for our customers,” said Mark Cezar, CEB Chief Financial Officer. Under the deal, CEB committed to measurable targets to reduce the carbon emission intensity of its fleet. Meeting these goals would entitle the airline to financial incentives. The A321neo acquired through the JOLCO financing is part of CEB’s long-term strategy to transition to an all-NEO fleet, an important step in its commitment to decarbonize operations. NEOs are 20% more fuel-efficient than older-generation aircraft, significantly reducing carbon emissions per flight.

By Ruben A. Veloria   Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines — The country’s premier Freeport was affirmed “almost Hollywood-ready” during the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards night last September 11, 2025. Department of Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, of the Office of Film and Sports Tourism and concurrent Region IV-B Director, said that film production is not just about the beauty of the location. It also entails amenities and facilities that go with it. “Subic has almost everything that is needed by a film production. Region III has a very big potential for Hollywood films, K-pop and soon Bollywood, which is a much bigger industry,” Alabado said during his inspirational speech. He added that his office recently facilitated the filming of an A-list movie showcasing the sights and sounds, culture and destinations of the Philippines, which will have its premiere in Hollywood next year. He emphasized that the film has the power to entice people to travel and see the film location in reality. Meanwhile, eight tourism stakeholders in Central Luzon were recognized for their sustainable practices that are geared toward a greener future. “The honorees we celebrate tonight have embraced the challenge of balancing development with responsibility, and progress with preservation. They are the trailblazers who remind us that sustainability is truly pragmatic, where decisions made on the ground, partnerships built with care, and actions that ripple across generations,” said Dr. Richard Daenos, Department of Tourism-Region 3 Director. SBMA Tourism Department manager Mary Jamelle Camba shared that the 1st Sustainable Tourism Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards was created to celebrate and honor outstanding tourism establishments, organizations, and destinations in Central Luzon that are leading the way in sustainability: Sustainable Sanctuary award celebrates recreation, health and wellness facilities that integrate eco-friendly operations, resource management and mindful guest experiences, and was awarded to ACEA Subic Beach Resort. Salt of Sustainability award honors food and beverage establishments that remind us that what we eat not only nourishes our bodies, but also sustain our farmers, our communities and our planet. The awardee: The Nest by the Sea of Subic. Bridges of Change award recognizes corporate social responsibility programs that create lasting positive impacts for local communities by empowering people build stronger, more resilient and more meaningful tourism for all. The awardee: The Lighthouse Marina Resort of Subic. Resilient Destination award honors destinations and establishments that lead the way in climate resilience, disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The awardee: Municipal Tourism Office-LGU Guimba, Nueva Ecija. Path to Purpose award honors establishments that have overcome challenges, embraced innovations, and made remarkable progress in adopting responsible practices. The awardee: Emerald Manor Hotel of Subic Bay. Green Stay Excellence award honors hotels, resorts, and lodging facilities that integrated green practices into their operations, proving that comfort and care for the environment can go hand in hand. The awardee: Mimosa Cityscapes, Inc. of Clark Freeport Zone. Community-based Tourism Legacy for establishments that uplift their host communities while delivering meaningful visitor experiences, ensuring tourism benefits both people and places. The award: Balangay Apuy Community Tourguides of Malolos, Bulacan. Green Tourism Champion award, the pinnacle recognition of the STAR awards, honors champions which not only integrate sustainability into their operations, they also influence entire communities and industries to embrace a greener, more responsible future. The awardee Pulong Kabyawan Agricultural Farm of Pulilan, Bulacan.