Manila International Fashion Week (MIFW) proudly announces its official collaboration with Asia Grand View Hotel Palawan and Althaus Tea Philippines under CG Coffee and Tea Products Trading—marking a partnership that brings together fashion, hospitality, and refined lifestyle experiences. As part of this exciting collaboration, the Grand Winners (1 Male and 1 Female) of MIFW The Model Search Season 7 will be awarded an exclusive luxury getaway experience from Asia Grand View Hotel Palawan, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and celebration in one of the Philippines’ most breathtaking destinations. This partnership sets the stage for an even more dynamic and rewarding MIFW Season 7, happening this June 10–12, 2026. Asia Grand View Hotel Palawan Sponsorship Inclusions: 1 Male Grand Winner: 3 Days and 2 Nights accommodation with breakfast for two (2) persons Roundtrip airport land transfers in Coron 1 Female Grand Winner: 3 Days and 2 Nights accommodation with breakfast for two (2) persons Roundtrip airport land transfers in Coron Adding a touch of elegance to the celebration, Althaus Tea Philippines will also extend premium gift selections to MIFW talents and creatives. Althaus Tea Philippines Sponsorship Inclusions: 1 Male Grand Winner – One (1) Althaus Tea Big Gift Pack 1 Female Grand Winner – One (1) Althaus Tea Big Gift Pack Althaus Tea Gift Packs for MIFW Season 7 Designers This collaboration reflects MIFW’s commitment to providing world-class opportunities, experiences, and rewards to its models, designers, and partners—elevating the fashion platform beyond the runway. The signing ceremony was graced by Carmela Geisert, Proprietor of CG Coffee and Tea Products Trading and President of Asia Grand View Hotel, together with Bench Bello, Founder and CEO of Manila International Fashion Week, and MIFW Board of Directors Sheralene Shirata and Myse Salonga.

    MANILA, Philippines — In light of the recent declaration placing the country under a State of National Energy Emergency, Globe assures its customers that its services will continue without disruption and as close to normal as possible, with its business continuity plan (BCP) activated to ensure that its network remains stable and operational amid concerns over fuel supply and energy availability. Under the BCP, the company will undergo the following initiatives: Expanded work from home for all Globe employees except critical workforce in network and IT operations, stores and other sales channels, customer service, and network security.  Other energy saving measures have also been introduced including limits on travel policy, car pooling, and new incentives for EV use. Prioritization of network fuel and energy needs to ensure that network services will continue to operate unimpeded. Globe is working closely with partners so that gensets across our cell sites will have ample fuel supply in case of commercial power interruptions.   Battery runtime management is also in place to address scenarios where both grid power and generator support may be affected. Globe is strengthening its energy management approach through energy efficiency measures and increased use of renewable energy to diversify its power sources. Currently, approximately 30 percent of Globe’s network runs on renewable energy. The company also continues to deploy energy-efficient technologies, including AI solutions that help optimize energy consumption across its sites. Globe remains focused on maintaining reliable service while strengthening its operational resilience and energy strategy in response to the volatile geopolitical and energy conditions.                

MANILA, Philippines — As the surge in global oil prices and Middle East tensions continue to impact the cost of basic necessities, Globe is doubling down on its mission to provide Filipinos with a digital lifeline. By bridging the gap between basic access and true financial health, the company is empowering citizens to exercise greater prudence and resilience in an increasingly challenging economic landscape. While account ownership in the Philippines grew to 50.2% as of 2024, the current global climate has highlighted the urgency of moving beyond mere access. At the recent Manila Times Economic Forum, World Bank Lead Economist Gonzalo Varela noted that many Filipinos remain in a “vulnerability trap,” where one in four citizens are just one “economic shock”, such as a spike in fuel prices or a sudden illness, away from falling back into poverty. To mitigate these shocks, Globe is aggressively expanding its network to serve as a critical bridge for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) framework for financial health. In an era where every peso is vital, reliable connectivity allows households to practice digital prudence: bypassing expensive transport costs by transacting from home, accessing real-time price monitoring for goods, and building emergency funds via mobile apps to avoid high-interest predatory debt. Strategic Tech Enabler This effort was the focus of a recent high-level discussion between senior leaders from BSP and Globe Telecom. The briefing, attended by BSP Managing Director Eugene C. Teves, centered on technologies that help Filipinos transact more safely and efficiently in today’s digital Philippine economy. By serving as a strategic tech enabler, Globe is helping the BSP build a digital ecosystem where Filipinos can stretch their budgets through more affordable and innovative services. Globe’s Chief Commercial Officer Darius Delgado said: “At Globe, we see ourselves as more than a telco. We provide the ‘rails’ that keep the economy moving. In these times of global volatility, our network acts as a stabilizer, ensuring that commerce and essential services remain accessible and cost-effective for every Filipino.” In direct response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Globe recently mobilized roaming goodwill offers to ensure that overseas Filipinos remain connected to their families during this critical time. Globe provided a complimentary roaming package, including 1GB of data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS, to customers in affected areas such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. For those in Iran and Iraq, Globe extended load assistance and billing adjustments. This initiative underscores Globe’s role as a proactive partner in times of crisis, ensuring that communication remains a bridge for safety rather than an added financial burden. Innovative Deployment Globe is directly tackling the infrastructure hurdles that traditionally drive-up service costs. Through pioneering partnerships with Lynk Global and Starlink, Globe has piloted Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology, allowing standard LTE phones to connect via satellite in remote areas. Additionally, by tapping Transcelestial to roll out 400 wireless laser links, Globe is delivering fiber-class speeds without the need for traditional, costly, and time-consuming trenching. By utilizing these “non-traditional” methods to lower the cost of deployment, Globe aims to pass these efficiencies directly to the consumer. This ensures that even as the prices of physical goods rise, the cost of staying connected and doing business remains within reach for the average family. “Connectivity is the backbone of how people work and save today,” said Carl Cruz, Globe President and CEO. “Our goal is to ensure that our network translates into real-world benefits: consistent service that is affordable enough to help many Filipinos weather the current economic storm.” These local efforts also prepare the country for its broader role in the region. As the Philippines prepares for the 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship and the push for ASEAN Regional Payments Connectivity, Globe’s network ensures the digital ecosystem is ready for faster, cheaper remittances and more efficient cross-border trade—further elevating the Philippines’ standing and protecting the economic interests of its citizens.

QUEZON CITY, Philippines  – The Social Security System (SSS) today assured its members in the Middle East that they can access benefits and services via digital platforms despite escalating regional conflicts. SSS President Robert Joseph M. de Claro highlighted the My.SSS Portal’s reliability, enabling Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to file benefit claims and loan applications without interruption, provided they meet qualifying conditions. For example, OFWs who were involuntarily separated can avail of unemployment benefit provided they meet the qualifying conditions and certified by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). “Even in these challenging times, our digital infrastructure ensures seamless service delivery,” de Claro said. “Members in the Middle East need not worry; they can manage their accounts safely from anywhere with internet access.” He noted that SSS pensioners in the region can comply with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) using the recently launched Facial Authentication feature on the SSS website, www.sss.gov.ph. “A standout innovation is the ACOP Facial Authentication with Liveness Check, enabling secure identity verification from smartphones anywhere,” de Claro explained. “It reduces fraud risks and eliminates the need for travel amid the current security situation in the Middle East. These tools were purpose-built to empower OFWs, allowing transactions ‘whenever, wherever’ even in crisis zones.” As of December 2025, there are 1,476,645 OFWs covered with the SSS with 540,018 as active paying members. “We remain committed to supporting our OFWs through innovation and resilience, no matter the circumstances,” de Claro concluded.

MANILA, Philippines — Globe, together with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), is stepping up efforts to protect Filipinos from mobile-based scams. Globe donated IMSI catcher detectors to the three government agencies to help identify and locate unauthorized signal activity, strengthening the country’s ability to detect and respond to mobile security threats. This effort is a step towards addressing the growing use of illegal mobile infrastructure, such as IMSI catchers or fake base stations, which enable cybercriminals to send fraudulent SMS messages directly to unsuspecting users. These threats operate outside Globe’s network, making them hard to detect. The IMSI catcher detectors will enable the NTC, CICC, and CIDG to identify and locate fake base stations in real time, significantly improving response speed and enforcement actions. With these capabilities, authorities can expand monitoring and enforcement across high-risk and densely populated areas, strengthening protection for millions of mobile users nationwide. “The threats we are seeing today operate at a deeper level, and addressing them requires stronger systems and closer coordination,” said Froilan Castelo, Group General Counsel at Globe. “We see it as our responsibility not only to provide connectivity, but to make sure that it remains safe and secure for every Filipino who relies on it.” “What this initiative enables is visibility where it matters most,” said Anton Bonifacio, Chief AI Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Globe. “By detecting unauthorized signal activity, we can support faster investigation and response, which is critical in addressing threats like fake base stations.” The move builds on Globe’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect customers. Aside from removing clickable links from official Globe SMS advisories and being the first telecom company to implement the non-delivery of all person-to-person (P2P) SMS with clickable links within its network, the company also launched the SMS Scam Shield on the GlobeOne app to protect users from spoofed sender IDs and phishing attacks. In 2025, Globe blocked more than 967 million scam and spam messages and deactivated over 244,000 SIMs linked to fraudulent activity. Globe also continues to work closely with government agencies and law enforcement to share intelligence, strengthen enforcement, and improve overall protection mechanisms. For the company, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to digital trust and ensuring that connectivity remains a safe space for all. “Every scam message is not just a technical issue. It affects real people, their finances, their safety, and their peace of mind,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “That is why efforts like this matter. It strengthens our ability to detect threats earlier, respond faster, and most importantly, protect Filipinos in a more coordinated way.” The initiative brings together Globe, NTC, CICC, and CIDG, reinforcing a whole-of-nation approach to addressing increasingly sophisticated mobile-based threats. As mobile connectivity continues to play a central role in everyday life, Globe reaffirms its shared commitment to safeguarding the country’s digital ecosystem and ensuring that Filipinos can stay connected with confidence.    

More than 500,000 Filipino seafarers help keep the global maritime industry moving. Now, a new Seafarers’ Wellness Center aims to ensure they and their families are supported beyond the deck. Led by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the center brings together legal, medical, and welfare services in one accessible hub. BDO Unibank joined the initiative as part of its continuing “Alagang Kabayan” commitment to overseas Filipinos. The facility offers free legal assistance through the Public Attorney’s Office and volunteer lawyers, an Alagang OWWA Yakap Clinic and Gamot Botika para sa mga Marino, rest and recreation spaces, and training rooms for Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS). OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan described the center as a meaningful first step toward expanding similar facilities nationwide.   “Maliit man ito, magandang simula ito upang mas lalo nating maiparamdam ang Alagang OWWA—serbisyong may puso,” she said, noting that sustained public support will allow similar centers to be established in other regions. While the center focuses on physical and legal welfare, financial preparedness remains essential to long-term stability. Through its Alagang Kabayan program, BDO works closely with OWWA and DMW to deliver financial literacy sessions and PDOS nationwide. These sessions guide seafarers on budgeting, remittance management, scam prevention, and reintegration planning. “We want OFWs to be financially empowered and in control of their future,” Caunan said, underscoring the value of public-private partnerships in extending meaningful services to migrant workers. For seafarer Christian Jay Padrigon, digital banking has made managing money at sea more convenient. Through his Kabayan Savings account and BDO Pay, he monitors transactions and remittances in real time—giving him peace of mind even while onboard. Another seafarer, Ronnel Hurgo, shared that disciplined saving and consistent remittances over nearly two decades helped him build assets and secure his family’s future. “Malaking tulong ang BDO sa pag-iipon at pagpapadala ng pera. Importante na may naipupundar tayo para sa pamilya at sa sarili,” he said. DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac also acknowledged the seafarers’ sacrifice and dedication not only to their family but also to their community and country. Congresswoman Johanne Bautista emphasized that increased budget allocations for OWWA and DMW in 2026 reflect sustained national commitment to migrant welfare. The Wellness Center, she said, is a concrete example of how resources translate into frontline services. By aligning financial empowerment with holistic welfare initiatives, BDO reinforces its role as a long-term partner to Filipino seafarers—from pre-departure planning to reintegration.

MANILA, Philippines — The Social Security System announced today the launch of a facial authentication to allow pensioners to complete the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) requirement without visiting SSS branches. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Jospeh M. de Claro said the system uses biometric liveness checks to verify the identity of pensioners online. “This makes compliance easier, faster, and more secure, ensuring uninterrupted pension payments,” de Claro said. The feature is available to pensioners registered in the National ID System (PhilSys) including: Retirement pensioners aged 80 and above residing in the Philippines Retirement pensioners living abroad Survivorship (death) pensioners De Claro explained that pensioners do not need to login to My.SSS.  By visiting the SSS homepage at www.sss.gov.ph, pensioners can access a dedicated ACOP icon that seamlessly guides them through the facial scan and biometric verification process using any camera-enabled device, through the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) National ID eVerify system. “The verification process takes less than a minute and immediately updates SSS records while confirming that a live person is present, preventing fraudulent activity,” he added. Pensioners without compatible devices may seek assistance at SSS branches through E-Centers. Traditional options, including in-person visits or scheduled video appointments, remain available. This initiative is part of SSS’ ongoing efforts to enhance digital services for nearly four million pensioners nationwide and abroad, making compliance to ACOP requirement more convenient while reducing travel burdens amid rising living costs. “No travel. No hassle. Just quick, secure verification from home,” he emphasized.

Globe is accelerating the Philippines’ digital future by scaling its partnership with Transcelestial, committing to a nationwide rollout of over 400 wireless laser links over the next three years. This strategic expansion positions Globe as a global pioneer in deploying wireless optical infrastructure at a national scale. By leveraging laser technology for last-mile and backhaul connectivity, Globe is overcoming traditional infrastructure bottlenecks to deliver faster, more resilient 5G services to Filipinos. Transcelestial’s technology directly responds to the unique terrain challenges of the Philippine archipelago, where laying physical fiber-optic cables across coastlines, mountains, and disaster-prone areas is often slow and cost-prohibitive. By utilizing wireless laser links, Globe can now deliver fiber-class capacity for 5G and small cells through a rapid deployment model that bypasses traditional construction delays. This innovation provides a secure, interference-free connection that remains highly flexible for diverse use cases, ranging from large-scale events and emergency response to permanent connectivity for temporary or remote sites. Flexible, future-ready network “Globe’s strategy recognizes that no single technology will define the future of national networks. The move to deploy Transcelestial lasers represents an acceleration of our commitment to bring better access to more Filipinos at speed. We are creating a flexible, future-ready network that adapts to rising capacity needs and environmental constraints,” Joel Agustin, Senior Vice President for Engineering and Network Planning at Globe said. Rohit Jha, CEO and Co-Founder of Transcelestial, added: “Our 400-link rollout with Globe is a signal that the country is embracing new infrastructure models to overcome old constraints. We are proud to work with a forward-thinking partner like Globe to accelerate the digital economy for all Filipinos.” Scalable, resilient connectivity solutions The partnership is deepened by the fact that Transcelestial is a portfolio company of Kickstart Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Globe. This investment underscores Globe’s commitment to scouting and scaling transformative technologies that solve local connectivity challenges. “Kickstart’s investment in Transcelestial reflects Globe’s broader commitment to strengthening the country’s digital backbone. By supporting scalable, resilient connectivity solutions, we’re helping enable more inclusive economic participation across regions, which is fundamental to building a more future-ready Philippines,” said Joan Yao, General Partner at Kickstart Ventures. The nationwide rollout follows successful deployments in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as high-demand trials at the Philippine Arena during large-scale events in 2024-2025. These early deployments gave Globe the operational confidence to scale the technology nationwide. To ensure seamless integration, Asticom, a Globe-owned shared services company, meanwhile serves as the local engineering partner. Since 2023, Asticom has provided the critical on-the-ground technical and engineering expertise to deploy and maintain these laser links across the country. “We are proud to enable Globe’s high-tech rollout by bridging the gap between cutting-edge innovation and local infrastructure,” said Mharicar Castillo-Reyes, President and CEO of Asticom. “Our goal is to build meaningful connections that improve Filipino lives through reliable, future-ready connectivity.”    

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, took delivery of its first aircraft of the year – an Airbus A320neo – on March 6, just days before marking its 30th anniversary on March 8. The aircraft arrived in Manila from Airbus’ facility in Toulouse, France and is the first of four A320neos anticipated to join CEB’s fleet this year. CEB expects to receive a total of seven aircraft in 2026 as it continues to strengthen capacity amid sustained travel demand. “This delivery sets the tone for our 30th year,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. “It reflects our continued investment in growth so more passengers can look forward to accessible and reliable air travel in the years to come.” Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn about 15% less fuel per flight and produces less noise compared to previous models, resulting in a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions. CEB operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversified commercial fleet mix of 14 Airbus 330s, 27 Airbus 321s, 39 Airbus 320s, and 20 ATR turboprop aircraft enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.