81st commemoration of the Araw Ng Kagitingan
Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko attended and delivered a speech at the 81st Commemoration of the Araw Ng Kagitingan at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan last April 10.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, cabinet secretaries, senators, Governor Jose Garcia of Bataan, other Philippine government officials, embassy officials from the U.S., veterans, and others were present at the event.
In his speech, Ambassador Koshikawa conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the fierce battle that took place in Bataan during the Second World War and offered his utmost respect to the war veterans who greatly contributed to the peace and security enjoyed today.
Ambassador Koshikawa expressed the deep remorse felt by the Japanese people due to the country’s past actions and concurrently affirmed their best wishes for ever-lasting peace and determination in upholding a law-based global order. The Ambassador mentioned that Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, are now mutually trusting partners working closely to preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He also emphasized that Japan seeks to prevent a repeat of the tragedies of war for the sake of future generations, amid the increasingly severe international security environment.
Ambassador Koshikawa said that Japan-Philippines strategic partnership continues to deepen, as both Philippine President Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas during President Marcos Jr’s visit to Japan last February. Furthermore, citing President Marcos Jr’s remarks that Japan is “a most reliable partner in times of both crises and of prosperity”, the Ambassador conveyed sincere hope to elevate both Japan-Philippines relations and Japan-Philippines-U.S. relations to greater heights.
First ever Summer Metro Manila Film Festival
The first ever Summer Metro Manila Film Festival opened last April 8 and will run until April 18, providing ample opportunity for audiences to catch their favorite films.
The event is a collaborative effort between SM Cinemas and local film industry partners, who work together to curate a diverse selection of films that cater to the interests and preferences of all movie-goers.
The eight official entries for the Summer MMFF are: Apag starring Coco Martin, Lito Lapid, Jaclyn Jose and Gladys Reyes; Singlebells starring Aljur Abrenica, Alex Gonzaga and Angeline Quinto; About Us but not About Us starring Romnick Sarmienta and Elijah Canlas; Kahit Maputi na Ang Buhok Ko starring RK Bagatsing and Meg Imperial; Unravel A Swiss Side Love Story starring Gerald Anderson and Kylie Padilla; Here Comes the Groom, starring Enchong Dee, Kempee de Leon, Awra Briguela, Xilhouete, Maris Racal and Kaladkaren; Yung Libro sa Napanuod Ko, starring Yoo Min-Gon and Bela Padilla; and Love You Long Time, starring Carlo Aquino and Eisel Serrano.
Cebu Pacific flies to Laoag
Cebu Pacific further expands its north Luzon network with the launch of flights between Manila and Laoag.
Starting May 22, CEB will fly daily between Manila and Laoag, making it the 35th domestic destination in the airline’s widest domestic network.
CEB currently flies to 34 domestic and 25 international destinations, spanning across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Allianz PNB Life appointment
Allianz PNB Life recently announced the appointment of Joseph Gross as its new president and CEO.
Gross brings over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, having held various senior leadership positions within the Allianz Group.
Gross joins Allianz PNB Life Philippines from his previous role in Germany as head of Global Executive Strategy and Development.
Buy local
PLDT and Smart’s homegrown advocacy, Buy Local has raised over P2 million providing capital support to more than 200 farmers nationwide.
Through ‘Buy Local’, harvested produce from partner farming communities are sold to PLDT and Smart’s employees at a more reasonable cost, through the e-commerce platform Cropital. “Women farmers have caught up with changing times and are now able to learn new and improved ways towards sustainable farming. We are thankful for the opportunity to become a part of PLDT and Smart’s initiative that supports local farming communities,” shared 58-year old Felina Rivera, ar ‘Buy Local’ beneficiary.
Loans to seafarers
Security Bank Corp. has partnered with e-money provider MarCoPay (MCP) to provide seafarers and their families with preferential rates for Auto and Home Loan offerings.
Users of the app can avail themselves of Security Bank’s Auto Loans for as low as 5.27 percent add-on interest rate and Home Loans for as low as 6.25 percent interest rate per annum.
Established in 2019, MCP is owned by Japan’s largest shipping company NYK Line through a joint venture (JV) with Transnational Diversified Group of the Philippines. The JV hopes to provide seafarers with better financial services through the eWallet platform. MCP counts amongst its investors MUFG Bank, Ltd. (MUFG) which is also the strategic partner to Security Bank since 2016.
MCP operates an eWallet app that is significantly invested in research and technology to innovate onboard money transactions using a secure digital solution.
Coming To Fore
Romina Batino-Stiffler and Mierro Castrillo’s masterpieces at the Gateway Gallery’s “Coming to Fore” exhibit captured the essence of their respective crafts and brought them to the forefront of contemporary art.
Romina, an artist who found her passion for art at the age of 50, is a firm believer that our interests and fascinations are linked to our true purpose. Her works will be featured in January 2024 as the highlight artist of the month at the Trumbull Art Gallery in Warren, Ohio. Those interested in learning more about her works can visit roamingromina.art.
In Mierro Castrillo’s sculptures, visitors were quick to notice the subtle nuances in his works and showered him with positive feedback. Those interested in viewing more of Mierro’s works or contacting him can visit the Castrillo Legacy Art Studio Inc. Facebook page.
“Coming to Fore” was a fusion of two distinct art forms celebrating the talents of both artists and their unique ability to bring to the fore the magic hidden within everything.
The exhibit ran from March 18 to April 2 at the Gateway Gallery in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City. The artists extend their sincerest gratitude to all who attended and experienced the magic of “Coming to Fore.”
BDO wins Best Cash Management Solution award
BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) won the Best Cash Management Solution in the Philippines award at the 16th Annual Best Deal and Solution Awards 2022 for its collections solutions for the bank’s client, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), known to be among the world’s top 10 global terminal operators.
The award was given by Alpha Southeast Asia, an institutional investment publication focused on Southeast Asia which includes the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
BDO has consistently been providing innovative solutions specific to the institutional client’s need in managing their cash flow requirements through the Bank’s efficient payments and collections processes supported by its enhanced digital technology.
The Collections Facility which allows Real-time Settlement and Notification of each payment received enables the bank to fully cover the reconciliation and matching requirements of ICTSI’s customs and duties processes. From big shipping companies and brokers to sole proprietors, each of these ICTSI clients can now pay their fees and duties through the Bank’s digital platforms: Business Online Banking (BOB) and Personal Online Banking (POB), as well as over the counter (OTC) at any BDO branch, the network with the widest coverage in the country.
“Our partnership with ICTSI embodies our philosophy of ‘We Find Ways.’ This solution helps ICTSI customers save on port charges, as their dues are settled faster and goods are released quicker. ICTSI, on the other hand, also benefits from faster payment reconciliation and quicker turnover of goods on their ports. This solution focuses on giving the rich payment information quicker while also speeding up the movement of cash in real-time manner,” said Carlo Nazareno, senior vice president and head of Cash Management Services of BDO Unibank.
Ticketmelon expands
Panupong Tejapaibul, chief executive officer and co-founder of Ticket-melon, recently announced the company’s expansion in Southeast Asia and the Philippines where it is offering a comprehensive platform that integrates cutting-edge ticketing tools, innovative digital in-event solutions, and live streaming services.
Ticketmelon, Thailand’s second largest ticketing platform, founded in 2015, is the premier event technology solutions company for event goers and organizers throughout Southeast Asia.
With over 2,000 events powered annually across the region, the company has expanded rapidly into the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
In the Philippines, Ticketmelon started in August of 2019, hosting events for Grab and Citibank.
In addition to being a leading provider of in-event cashless payment solutions and ticketing platforms in Southeast Asia, Ticketmelon offers localized payment channels in various currencies, enabling local consumers to seamlessly purchase tickets.
New dealerships
Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) inaugurated last March 28 its dealerships in Fairview and in Cainta in partnership with the Gateway Motor Group.
Honda Cars Fairview is the biggest Honda showroom of the Gateway Motor Group with the display area featuring an entertainment facility, a gaming space, and a Honda die-cast collection.
This modern facility sits on a 3,660-square meter (sq.m.) property located at Lot 4, Block 4, Neopolitan Business Center, Fairview, Quezon City.
Honda Cars Cainta (formerly Honda Cars Rizal) retains its strategic location at 22 Ortigas Ave Ext., and sits on a 3,600-sq.m. lot, featuring a 250-sq.m. showroom and a 2,000-sq.m. service workshop designed to deliver efficient and convenient after-sales services. This newly renovated facility comes with a wide range of offers, from sales to vehicle service, spare parts, and accessories, as well as body and paint services that will be available starting July 2023.
Mapúa holds first Cardinal Esports
Mapúa University organized its first-ever Cardinal Esports, a three-day Valorant tournament for senior high school students in Luzon.
Thirty-two teams representing senior high schools from Greater Manila Area, Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, and Pampanga participated in the intense two-day qualifiers. Eight teams moved on to the finals which was held in its Makati campus last March 25.
Team Sussy Amogus from Mapúa University was declared the champion. Team San Beda Red Lions bagged first runner-up, while Team Tambay Eastwood from the De La Salle University placed second runner-up.
The event helped establish a supportive community where participants can connect, thrive, and receive the encouragement they need to pursue their information technology -related interests and careers.
National halo-halo blowout
Mang Inasal is holding the biggest Halo-Halo celebration this April 16 through the Mang Inasal National Halo-Halo Blowout in over 500 stores nationwide.
As part of its year-long 20th anniversary celebration, the Mang Inasal National Halo-Halo Blowout will offer a P20 discount for the Mang Inasal Extra Creamy Halo-Halo Small, bringing down the price to only P49. The one-day promo will be available exclusively for dine-in and takeout.
