Solaire Resort bags IAG Academy Awards

Solaire Resort won three of the most prestigious categories  at the 2024 IAG Academy IR Awards: Best IR Gaming Floor for Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Best Regional Asia-Pacific IR for Solaire Resort Entertainment City and Best Overall Marketing Program – Bloomberry Resorts Corp. for Solaire.

Solaire Resort Entertainment City secured the Best IR Gaming Floor award for the second consecutive year, thanks to its cutting-edge gaming environment and industry-leading innovations. 

Solaire Resort Entertainment City was awarded Best Regional Asia-Pacific IR for the third time. This award, previously part of the G2E Asia Awards, highlights Solaire’s commitment to excellence in luxury, entertainment, and innovation, setting it apart from competitors.

Solaire Resort also captured the highly coveted Best Overall Marketing Program award,  celebrating the groundbreaking campaigns that have driven the resort’s success, including the highly acclaimed launch of Solaire Resort North. 

“These wins are a proud moment for Solaire and a recognition of the vision of our founder and chairman, Enrique K. Razon, Jr. and of the incredible efforts of our entire team,” said Thomas Arasi, Bloomberry Resorts president and COO.

SM companies among world’s best

TIME Magazine and Statista have recognized SM Investments Corp., SM Prime Holdings, and China Banking Corp. as among the World’s Best Companies for 2024. 

This accolade underscores the group’s focus and exceptional performance in employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability.

 “We are grateful to be part of the list of the world’s best companies as it reflects our group’s collective commitment to responsible and inclusive development. It also highlights our dedication to creating shared value for all stakeholders while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the enterprise,” said 

Frederic DyBuncio, president and CEO of SM Investments.

SM continues to drive socio-economic growth, having created over 131,000 jobs and supported more than 100,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises to date.

The company is also proactive in managing its environmental impact.

The “World’s Best Companies 2024” ranking is the result of a comprehensive analysis to identify top-performing companies worldwide. The study evaluates companies across three primary dimensions: Employee Satisfaction, Revenue Growth, and Sustainability.

 Employee satisfaction was assessed through surveys conducted in over 50 countries, with data from approximately 170,000 participants. 

Next-level hospitality

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. unveiled its groundbreaking product, Converge Concierge with SkyTV, set to transform the Philippine hospitality sector. 

Converge Concierge with SkyTV is an innovative all-in-one smart tv solution that integrates  cutting-edge technology with the company’s high-speed broadband internet to create a comprehensive hospitality solution. The product features an in-room entertainment and information hub, complete with IoT-enabled smart controls and the high-definition IPTV solution, “SkyTV”.

“The hospitality industry is one that is close to my heart – one of my first enterprise clients was Mimosa Clark. We have come a long way and guests today expect more than just a comfortable stay in hotels—they demand personalized, seamless, and memorable experiences. Converge is proud to offer our technology and expertise to help bring the industry to the next level and be at par with the rest of the world,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge CEO and co-founder .

Converge Concierge with SkyTV effortlessly integrates with existing hotel property management systems, streamlining bookings, guest services, and billing processes.

Hotels can tailor the user interface to match their brand and specific service offerings.  Content and bandwidth can be adjusted to meet the unique needs of each hospitality business.

IBBY Ph holds inaugural congress at MIBF

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Philippines kicked off its inaugural IBBY-PH Congress on the first day of the 2024 Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) last September 11 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The 15th IBBY-PH Congress  gathered 200 delegates composed of teachers, content creators, readers, and reading advocates, in their shared goal of connecting books with children. This event offered discussions, new ideas, and collaboration to promote literacy and a love for reading among kids. 

“This is the first time the Philippines hosted an IBBY Congress so we are of course very proud to organize this event,” said Kristine Mandigma, IBBY Philippines president. “As the national section, we are tasked to lead initiatives that support the development of Philippine children’s literature and literacy in general. We are pleased to have a substantial turnout of participants who share the same noble goals.”

This year’s theme is “Batang Malaya: Freeing the Filipino Child Through a Community of Reading Champions” which encapsulates the essence of empowering Filipino children through literacy and community support. 

The whole-day conference assembled a distinguished list of resource speakers and academic specialists in sessions that included  “Ang Pagbabasa Bilang Paglaya: Championing a MATATAG Readership Amidst Paradigm Shifts in the Philippine Educational Climate,” “Pananaliksik sa Pagkabata at Panitikang Pambata: Current Practices and Future Directions in Children’s Literature Scholarship,” “Pagbabasa at Pagkabata sa Iba’t Ibang Sektor: Best Practices in Bringing Books and Children Together,” among others. 

Financial wellness videos launched

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), has partnered with Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) to launch a resource video series titled “Estudyantipid,”which aims to promote financial wellness among Junior and Senior High School students in the country.

“Together with our partners from Knowledge Channel, we are equipping the next generation with the skills they need to make informed financial decisions, fostering a culture of saving and promoting sustainable growth for all Filipinos,”Marquez added. 

The “Estudyantipid” video series was launched on September 13  at Ernesto Rondon High School. 

Filipino fashion at HK trade show

For the first time, the Philippines joined Centrestage 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)  on September 4 to 7.

Under the banner of FASHIONPhilippines, 15 Filipino brands showcased the Philippines’ heritage-rich textiles and excellent Filipino craftsmanship on the global stage. 

Centrestage 2024, known as “Asia’s Fashion Spotlight,” featured more than 250 fashion brands from around the world. Alongside the exhibitions, the event also includes fashion shows, parades, seminars, and networking activities.

Featured were handcrafted apparel, footwear, and accessories reflecting the rich cultural heritage and innovation of the Philippine fashion industry. 

The FASHIONPhilippines participation is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions.

Some of the participating brands will also be joining Manila FAME 2024 happening at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on October 17 to 19.

4 Filipino communication leaders at IABC intl  boards

Four Filipino communication professionals have assumed leadership roles on the global and regional boards of the International Association of Business Communicators or IABC, a global network of communications professionals.

CHOA, VENGZON, ALCANTARA, CORPUZ

Kane Errol Choa, VP/head of Corporate Communications at ABS-CBN and an adviser for IABC Philippines, joins the IABC International Executive Board as the regional director representing Asia Pacific. 

Liza Vengco, VP for Marketing Communication at RCBC, continues with a second term on the Asia Pacific Region Board as Awards and Recognition director. 

Anthony Alcantara, AVP and Wealth Insights editor-in-chief at Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company, serves his second term on the Asia Pacific Region Board as a Brand and Communications director.

Lynda Corpuz takes on the role of Brand and Communications director at IABC APAC, backed by her extensive experience in communications, media and public relations, social media, including a stint at Rappler.com.

During Choa’s tenure as regional chair, IABC Asia Pacific successfully staged the Fusion 2023 regional conference in Bali, marking its return as an in-person regional event after the pandemic. The conference attracted decision-makers and influential communication leaders from across the region, featuring speakers from 11 countries.

IABC Asia Pacific will hold its Fusion 2025 regional conference in Manila on  March 17 to 18.

Power Mac Center opens 2 new APP stores

Power Mac Center (PMC) gears up for the busy “ber” season by promoting  two branches to Apple Premium Partner (APP) status.

Back-to-back store openings are at The Annex at SM City North EDSA and Robinsons Magnolia.

These are the fifth and sixth APP stores under PMC’s belt.

The newly opened stores are located at the 4/L Cyberzone of The Annex at SM City North EDSA and Level 2 Expansion Building of Robinsons Magnolia. Exclusive promos are on offer, including: Up to P21,000 off on select MacBook, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch models, discounts among others.

PMC is set to reopen the branch in TriNoma as its seventh APP store. In celebration of its three decades this year, PMC launched its “Miles and Milestones: The 30th Anniversary Raffle.” The new deadline for earning entries is December 31

PH firms at MIHAS

The coconut, part of the Premium 7 crops of the Philippines, will figure in a trove of food and non-food products during the country’s participation at MIHAS 2024. 

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) will showcase the country’s premier Halal-friendly products and services at the 20th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) happening from September 17 to 20  at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Philippine participation in MIHAS

The Philippine Halal Investment Forum was part of its strategic plan to enhance the country’s capabilities through more Halal-certifying bodies, and a more focused and unified national branding and positioning in the global Halal market.

For this year’s 20th edition of MIHAS, 20 Halal-friendly food and non-food exhibitors are taking part under the Halal-friendly Philippines campaign, namely: Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing Corp; C&H Cosmetics Industry; Cattleya & Rose Gourmet Foods; Cocoplus Aquarian Development Corp.; CTG Food Corp.; Davao Bioskin Tech Laboratories, Inc.; Dermaline, Inc.; Fruits of Life, Inc.; Immuni Global Inc.; Jegen S.W.E. Enterprises; JNRM Corp.; KKK Food Corp.; Magical Blend Marketing International; Project Beans Trading; QueenB Apiaries Enterprises; KKK Food Corp.; Raspina Tropical Fruits, Inc.; Theo & Philo Chocolate Factory, Inc.; Valmarce Food Mktg. Corp.; and Wellnesscare International Corp.

PLDT, Smart boost  Pasigarbo sa Sugbo

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc.  continue to support local culture, enabling the 11th year of Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, known as the “Festival of Festivals” organized by the Provincial Government of Cebu.

“Our enhanced network technologies not only enable the festival’s operations but also allow attendees to share their experiences in real-time. These efforts also bolster the provincial government’s thrust to propel Cebu’s economic goals, and further promote Cebu’s rich cultural heritage,” said George Carmelo Clemente, head of PLDT Home Sales Visayas and Mindanao.

PLDT and Smart enhanced connectivity along the festival’s designated routes for the duration of the event, ensuring seamless connection. This includes the deployment of Multiple-Element on Wheels (MEOW) to significantly boost signal strength and expand capacity, anticipating the increased voice and data traffic due to the influx of festivalgoers, participants, and organizers. 

PLDT Group also provided comprehensive logistical and merchandising support, including buntings, tents, festival banners, blimps, and sales booths. Dedicated fixed connectivity lines were provided to the provincial government’s event command center, VIP area and for their seamless livestream of street dances and the showdown of ritual dance performances by the different participating component cities and municipalities.

News organizations have also been provided with PLDT Wifi to ensure smooth coverage of the vibrant festivities. Additionally, PLDT Home Wifi devices were also awarded to the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival Queen, adding fun and excitement to the event.

Mober hosts World EV Day forum

Mober, a frontrunner in green logistics services in the Philippines, spearheaded the Philippines’ celebration of World Electric Vehicle (EV) Day on September 9 when it hosted “Leading the Way in Green Logistics: A Forum on Moving Together for a Carbon-Free Philippines,” which focused on accelerating the push on the use of commercial EVs in the country.

The forum brought together government, the private sector, and key enabling organizations united with a vision to accelerate commercial EV adoption, a key step toward reducing carbon emissions in logistics, a sector widely recognized as a significant contributor to global carbon dioxide emissions.

“World EV Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to unite and collaborate in accelerating the adoption of commercial EVs. The transition to sustainable logistics requires the collective efforts of the government, the private sector, and consumers. At Mober, we believe that green logistics is essential to achieving a carbon-free future, and this forum is a testament to our commitment. We are proud to lead by example and inspire others to join us on the path to a cleaner, greener Philippines,” Mober CEO Dennis Ng said.

This year marks the fifth observance of World EV Day, which started in 2020 and aimed to unite companies and individuals, policymakers, and thought leaders to raise awareness and promote the shift to EVs worldwide.

The event was highlighted by a keynote address from  Jesus Ferdinand “Andy” Ortega, undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), who emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating the country’s EV transition.

The forum also featured panel discussions that tackled timely and pressing issues on the shift to commercial EVs and businesses’ efforts to achieve their sustainability targets by integrating electrified delivery services in their supply chain operations.