Former Ilocos Sur Governor and senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson has vowed to modernize the Philippines’ transport system and support jeepney drivers by introducing affordable electric jeepneys (e-jeepneys). His flagship project, a state-of-the-art e-jeepney manufacturing plant in Batangas, is set to begin operations by 2025. Singson visited Cebu to meet with Cebu City barangay officials, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, members of the local press, and other government officials. During his visit, he renewed his offer to provide e-jeepneys at significantly reduced prices to help marginalized drivers comply with the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). “I first offered my subsidy…
Author: Business News Asia
Business News Asia
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The Geeks on a Beach (GOAB), the country’s premier international tech startup conference, now in its seventh year, has emerged as a rallying point for entrepreneurs, government leaders, and investors. Its mission: to empower startups in the regions and promote innovation beyond Metro Manila. Since the past decade, GOAB has grown into a vital platform for driving growth in the Philippine startup ecosystem. “Our goal is to bring together an ecosystem where people not only network but also find genuine opportunities for funding, mentorship, and partnership,” said Tina Amper, GOAB founding organizer. For Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)…
The festive spirit arrived early at SM Seaside City as Heart Evangelista, president of the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. (SSFI), spearheaded the annual “Christmas in November” gift-giving activity. Held at the SM Store Kids Section, the event brought joy to 45 children battling cancer from Kythe Foundation Inc., offering them an unforgettable day of unlimited shopping and heartwarming interactions. Evangelista, a renowned actress and philanthropist, guided the children through aisles of toys, clothes, and school supplies, helping them select items that brightened their day. She was joined by fellow senate spouses Kath Pimentel and Nancy de la Rosa, as well…
Bayanihan.com, a new online platform connecting Filipinos worldwide through events and business promotions, launched on Wednesday at the Thomas Edison Hotel in New York. Founded by Anthony Leuterio, the platform aims to provide a centralized hub for events, gatherings, and business opportunities tailored to the Filipino diaspora. The launch of Bayanihan.com marks a step forward in uniting Filipinos globally, offering a space where the community can engage with local events and support small businesses, Leuterio said at the event. “We aim to drive opportunities for growth, especially for small Filipino businesses, and foster a sense of community among Overseas Filipino…
Public and private stakeholders in Cebu said that the island needs more power capacity to sustain its economic upswing, with the province’s top government official highlighting the criticality of embedded power plants in addressing power interruptions. Cebu and the Central Visayan economy recorded the fastest growth rate in the Philippines at 7.3% in 2023, prompting Cebu Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia to make the case that the province has to be “very serious” about generating more power capacity in-island. “If we did not have our own embedded power [right here in our island], we would have been at the mercy of…
Waterfront Hotels & Casino has unveiled a new line of signature dishes designed to create memorable dining experiences by merging traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, the company announced on Wednesday. The new menu emphasizes creativity, quality ingredients, and culinary excellence. “Every dish invites guests to a taste of passion and flavor,” the company said in a statement. “Each meal creates connections and lasting memories—an experience that keeps guests returning for more.” Highlights include the Waterfront Pancake topped with whipped ricotta, pecans, and fresh berries, aiming to offer “a perfect start to the day.” The Eggs Benedict features brioche, poached…
CEBUANO realtor Anthony Leuterio, the founder of Filipino Homes, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 International Realtor of the Year by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), marking a milestone for Philippine real estate on the global stage. The award honors Leuterio’s commitment to raising ethical standards, promoting best practices and elevating the Realtor brand internationally. NAR is the largest trade association for real estate professionals in the United States, with more than 1.5 million members, including real estate agents, brokers, appraisers and other real estate professionals. Founded in 1908, NAR sets standards for ethical practices in real estate and…
There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and this year, SM City Cebu is turning up the enchantment with a breathtaking spectacle that promises to dazzle every visitor who steps into its newly renovated North Wing Atrium. On November 10, the mall officially ignited the Christmas spirit with the illumination of a stunning 30-ft. Christmas tree that looks as if it leapt straight from the pages of a fairy tale. This year’s theme, Santa’s Enchanted Fables, brings an extra sprinkle of Christmas magic to life, ensuring that both the young and the young at heart experience a sense of…
Cebu-based uniform manufacturer Unisol has set its sights on an ambitious goal – going public by the year 2030, making it the first textile company in the Philippines to achieve an IPO if the listing plan pushes through. The company, founded in 2017 with a vision to become the go-to brand for uniforms, is now laying the groundwork to achieve this milestone. According to Unisol’s sales head Leah Baltazar, the path to an IPO hinges on three key factors: stabilizing the company’s consistent growth, ensuring financial stability, and further establishing the Unisol brand. “Without a dream, there’s no goal,” Baltazar…
The holiday season in Cebu was marked with grandeur as the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino hosted its highly anticipated Christmas Tree Lighting event, aptly named Santa’s Workshop. The evening was attended by a distinguished gathering of government officials, business leaders, tourism stakeholders, media personalities, social media influencers, hotel guests, and more, adding a touch of elegance and festivity to the night. In his opening remarks, General Manager Ali Banting invited attendees to embrace the enchantment of the season. “Tonight, I invite you to imagine a magical place far, far away—a place where wonders come to life and holiday…
Vietnamese financial technology (fintech) firm MFast is looking at raising US$15 million in its Series B financing round to accelerate its growth in the Philippine market. “MFast is confident that its innovative fintech solutions, launched in the Philippines in April 2024 have resonated and will continue to resonate with the Philippine audience. The twin Founders, Long and Vinh Phan are eager to introduce more of MFast’s industry-leading technologies to this new market,” said MFast Philippines general manager Carol Lao. MFast, is an agent banking aggregator platform that allows users in underserved communities to access financial services. Recently, the Asia Fintech…
Vivant Foundation Inc. (VFI) celebrated its 10th anniversary by launching a solar-powered electrician curriculum designed to equip Filipino senior high school students with skills in sustainable energy. Approved by the Department of Education (DepEd), the curriculum adds solar photovoltaic (PV) training to the Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) course, aiming to address the skills gap in off-grid areas where a lack of technical expertise has left solar installations unmaintained. The curriculum, developed over four years with support from a 2.2-million-euro European Union grant, is being piloted in 10 schools across Cebu, Bohol, Bukidnon, La Union, and Pampanga. VFI has provided…
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is partnering with international travel booking platform Klook to enhance tourism offerings in Caraga and other regions. Ivonnie B. Dumadag, Regional Director of DOT-Caraga, announced that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with Klook is scheduled soon. “Klook’s presence at our Philippine Experience Program (PEP) launch in Caraga provided a platform for collaboration with our local tour operators, guides, accommodations, and restaurants,” Dumadag said. “Together, we aim to create packages that will showcase Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, Bayugan City, Prosperidad, and Agusan del Sur,” she added. Klook, founded in 2014 and headquartered…
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched the Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravan in the Caraga region on Monday, aiming to highlight the cultural heritage and natural landscapes of the area through a three-day event running from October 28-30. The event features the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, along with the cities of Butuan, Cabadbaran, and Bayugan. The program, a flagship initiative under the leadership of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, is designed to promote local culture and traditions to both domestic and international delegates. The department expects around 100 participants, including…
SM Super Malls has inaugurated SM J Mall, its latest premier lifestyle hub in Metro Cebu. Officially opened to the public on Friday, SM J Mall in Mandaue City introduces a Japanese-inspired design and brings an elevated shopping and entertainment experience to Cebu’s cosmopolitan consumers. The exclusive launch event, held on Oct. 24, gathered key figures including SM Prime Holdings’ Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, Super Shopping Market Inc. Chairman Herbert Sy, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, and Mandaue City Mayor Glenn Bercede. Prominent business leaders and government officials attended, underscoring the significance of…
Cebu’s newest premier lifestyle destination, SM J Mall, is set to open its doors on Friday, October 25. Located in A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City, this highly anticipated development marks the fourth SM Supermall in Cebu and the 87th in the Philippines. Boasting a seamless fusion of modern architecture with Japan-inspired elements, SM J Mall promises a unique experience that caters to various lifestyles. From food lovers to wellness enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this mall offers something for everyone. SM J Mall brings fresh, innovative concepts to the Cebu dining scene. One of its main attractions is Izakaya Terrace,…
Filipino Homes, the largest real estate network in the Philippines, gathered 30 top developers in the country and more than 600 agents for a collaborative event aimed at creating new products that truly cater to customer needs. The event, organized as a “celebration of success,” brought together the key stakeholders in the industry with the goal of addressing a longstanding challenge – the disconnect between what developers produce and what the market actually demands. “The problem is that a lot of developers create products for themselves, not for the market,” said Anthony Gerard Leuterio, founder and CEO of Filipino Homes.…
Filipino Homes, a leading real estate group, is set to launch Bayanihan.com, a global online portal dedicated to connecting Filipinos worldwide with cultural festivals and events. The platform will serve as a comprehensive directory, offering event organizers a space to promote their festivals and celebrations on both local and international stages. Scheduled for launch in October 2024, Bayanihan.com is designed to be a user-friendly, free-to-use site. It aims to unite the Filipino diaspora by providing a platform where cultural events can be promoted, helping Filipinos around the world stay in touch with their heritage. “Our goal is to bridge Filipinos…
Banyan Tree, a global leader in luxury and sustainable development, is set to broaden its footprint in the Philippines with the introduction of Banyan Tree Manila Bay, marking a significant expansion into Cebu City. This move comes as part of Nest Seekers International’s strategic efforts to penetrate new high-end markets. On September 12, 2024, Banyan Tree Manila Bay and Nest Seekers International held an exclusive event at Seda Ayala Center Cebu, attracting top brokers and real estate professionals from across the region. The event highlighted the burgeoning luxury market in Cebu, underscoring the city’s potential as a prime location for…
Filipino Homes, the largest real estate network in the Philippines, is set to host its highly anticipated National Real Estate Convention 2024, bringing together over 600 delegates, together with top 30 developers from across the country. The event, to be held on Oct. 20-21, 2024 at Nustar Resort & Casino, will celebrate the success of real estate professionals and partner property developers and at the same time highlight key developments in the real estate industry. The convention will feature a day of fellowship, networking and knowledge-sharing, aimed at strengthening the bonds within the Filipino Homes community. Top-performing real estate agents…