Showing posts with label #visayas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #visayas. Show all posts

Friday, January 12, 2024

PLDT, Smart and Tiktok PH team up to upskill more MSMEs in Visayas

PLDT, Smart and Tiktok PH team up to upskill more MSMEs in Visayas

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have partnered with Tiktok Philippines nc. through their eBiznovation Buy Local Bazaar Caravan, training micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Visayas to use the Tiktok platform to reach new customers and grow their businesses online.

The eBiznovation bazaar traveled to Borongan City in Eastern Samar, Municipality of Miagao in Iloilo, and Municipality of Sibalom in Antique.


“We are proud to spearhead this effort to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of MSMEs, especially in the different cities and provinces in Visayas. With the right skills and support from partners like Tiktok, small businesses can tap into digital channels to showcase their products and expand their livelihood,” said Marylou Gocotano, PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Management Visayas Relations Head.


Through a whole-day training session with hands-on workshops, participants in the caravan learned best practices for creating engaging content, building their brand on Tiktok, connecting with more customers worldwide, and selling products through the platform.


Participants were also taught the basics of internet safety and introduced to the Maya Business App to streamline their payment processes, enabling safe and more efficient online transactions.



“I hope that our MSMEs will use this training to their advantage so they become empowered to thrive in the digital era. On behalf of the Municipality of Miagao, I extend my heartfelt thanks to PLDT and Smart for selecting us to be participants of this bazaar. This will forge a path of progress, bridging opportunities for local entrepreneurs through technology,” said Hon. Japhet Grace Moleta, SB Member of LGU Miagao.


PLDT Group is dedicated to advancing inclusive technologies, ensuring that progress leaves no one behind. Through initiatives like this, the group not only bolsters livelihood opportunities but also aligns with the government’s overall digitalization thrust, championing digital upskilling among Filipinos as a founding member of the Private Sector Advisory Council and supporter of the Go Digital Pilipinas Movement.


PLDT and Smart’s eBiznovation program is aimed at leveraging technology to enhance income and market access for MSMEs, cooperatives, and other key economic sectors. These iniatives are part of the PLDT Group’s broader agenda of contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.


Thursday, December 21, 2023

lyf Cebu City: Paving the Way for Co-Living in the Visayas Mindanao Region

lyf Cebu City: Paving the Way for Co-Living in the Visayas Mindanao Region

Philippines, 21 December 2023 – Following the launch of the first lyf property in Malate, Manila, The Ascott Limited is thrilled to announce its expansion into the Visayas and Mindanao (VisMin) region with the opening of lyf Cebu City, the first international co-living serviced residence in the city. The latest property sets the tone for lyf’s continued growth and commitment to providing the new generation of travelers with a unique and vibrant co-living experience.

lyf Cebu City aims to bring its unique and distinct brand of co-living spaces and community-centric service to the Queen City of the South. Last December 16, 2023, lyf Cebu City extended an invitation to local media and influencers from Visayas, treating them to an unforgettable experience at "lyf of the City." The event offered an exclusive sneak peek into the property through fun activities, live entertainment, an interactive tour, and a delicious spread of food and drinks. 



Among the key personalities present were Rey Vergel Mulat, lyf Cebu City’s POP Champion, and Eunice Lodripas, the Director of Communications at The Ascott Limited, who shared insights into the brand's vision.


Mathias Bergundthal, the Cebu Landmasters Director of Hotels and Assets, was also in attendance along with Denise Olegario, the Director of Sales and Distribution at The Ascott Limited. Their presence highlighted lyf’s commitment to delivering an exceptional co-living experience in Cebu City.


Strategically located in the heart of Cebu, lyf Cebu City adds to the spirited atmosphere that the city made its name out of. The property will be located at Tower 3, Baseline Center, Cebu and is only a car drive away from Cebu CBD. It’s well-connected in terms of transport infrastructure and roads, making it a prime spot for both residents and businesses.


Moreover, being at Tower 3, Baseline Center, Cebu means guests are likely surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. This area offers a mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces, creating a dynamic environment, which can be attractive for individuals seeking a balance between work and lifestyle. Such strategic locations also often witness ongoing urban development, adding to the value of the property over time. It's not just about the present amenities but also the potential for future growth and expansion.


A glimpse of lyf Cebu amenities


Stepping inside the interior of the property, lyf Cebu City presents a wide range of amenities designed to foster a sense of community and offer an incomparable level of living experience. Guests can choose from a selection of One of a Kind (Studio), Side by Side (Twin), and All Together (Two-bedroom and Four-bedroom) apartment units to suit their preferences. The Connect (Coworking Space and Communal Lounge) provides an inspiring environment for collaboration, networking, and a sense of community, while Nook (Private Working Spaces) offers a peaceful and quiet sanctuary ideal for focused work.


In addition, lyf Cebu City’s Bond (Social Kitchen) is an amazing area where guests can unleash and let out their culinary creativity and build connections with fellow professionals that extend beyond work. The Wash and Hang (Social Launderette) ensures convenience and cleanliness, while the property’s pool offers a space to relax and share stories while taking in breathtaking views of the city. Health enthusiasts can also stay on track with their fitness goals without leaving the premises of the lyf with the Burn (Social Gym), a 24-hour fully equipped fitness center.


Complementing the vibrant environment of lyf Cebu City, the lyf Crew is the missing piece to complete every guest’s experience. Comprising of the lyf Champion (Residence Manager), lyf Guards (Multitaskers), and Ambassadors of Buzz (Community Manager), the lyf Crew are all dedicated to providing every guest with an exceptional experience throughout their stay. The crew is readily available to give local insider information, assist with inquiries, facilitate community-building activities, and foster a sense of belongingness and camaraderie among the guests.


“The expansion of our lyf property into Cebu marks an exciting milestone not only for lyf but also for The Ascott Limited as a whole. lyf Cebu City is only the beginning as we are determined to bring our innovative and community-focused properties to new locations,” said lyf Champion (Residence Manager) Rey Vergel Mulat.


lyf Cebu City is set to open its doors soon, and the opening will be the beginning of The Ascott Limited’s expansion plans into the VisMin region. 


Explore the advantages of becoming a member of the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) program, where guests can unlock a world of exclusive benefits, rewards, and the most competitive rates. To learn more about the Ascott Star Rewards program, please visit this link.


For more information and updates about lyf Cebu, follow the official social media pages ( Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok )

Friday, November 3, 2023

Citadines Bacolod City: Unlocking Potential in Panay Region’s Hospitality Sector

Citadines Bacolod City: Unlocking Potential in Panay Region’s Hospitality Sector

Philippines, 3rd November 2023 – The Ascott Limited, a leading international hospitality company, will be redefining the industry once again with Citadines Bacolod City, the newest addition to its roster of properties. Located in the heart of Bacolod.  The premier-serviced residence, which marks Ascott's maiden entry into the city, is positioning itself as a game-changer in the local hospitality scene.

Bacolod City, known as the "City of Smiles" is a vibrant and progressive urban center located in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. It is the capital city of the province and serves as its economic, cultural, and administrative hub. The city’s rapid urbanization has had a significant impact on its tourism and hospitality sector, transforming it into a thriving destination that attracts both domestic and international travelers.



Gearing up for 2024, Citadine’s targeted venture is Bacolod’s well-celebrated Masskara festival, which attracts tourists from all over the world. A part of their preparation was the exclusive VIP Night last October 19, which welcomed special guests Mr. Jose Franco Soberano, COO of Cebu Landmasters, Mr. Mathias Bergundthal, Director of SLI Hotels and Resorts, and Mr. Alec Lsutre, President of Capitaine Inc. The event gave a peek into the fun and excitement Citadines has planned for the upcoming year, featuring Masskara performers all night long - drummers, dancers, and singers - giving Bacolod a taste of what’s to come. 



The VIP Night also explored “How Citadines will Change the Hospitality Landscape in Bacolod” with Ascott General Manager Philip Barnes, opening with an optimistic eye for the upcoming opening.


The Citadines brand is committed to providing a seamless blend of convenience, comfort, and connectivity to cater to the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers. Each Citadines property exudes a distinct style and character, reflecting the local culture and community, while maintaining a consistent philosophy of “bringing you to the city, and the city to you”. 


Looking forward to its opening in 2024, A property viewing was also integrated to boast the array of world-class amenities designed to elevate the guest experience. Showcasing the infinity pool, which offers stunning views of Bacolod's skyline, and the fully equipped fitness center to cater to health and wellness enthusiasts. Citadines excites everyone with a teaser of their several restaurants. For those wanting to try out local cuisines and regional specialties, stop by Citadines’ Negrense, your one-stop destination for all the delicacies Negros Occidental. The property’s team of chefs will collaborate with local cooks to deliver flavors unique to each city in the region. 


Viennoiserie and Italian, Citadines Bacolod City’s lobby café and bakery, will treat guests with an irresistible blend of aromatic coffee experiences through its collaboration with Coffee Culture, a popular and innovative artisan coffee roaster of local and imported beans. Aligning with the property’s brand signature, “for the love of coffee”, guests can choose from a menu inspired by the local coffee culture and leisurely enjoy food and beverages in an ambiance that radiates comfort and sophistication. Viennoiserie and Italian’s skilled baristas are devoted to transforming each cup of coffee into a journey of flavors, using carefully sourced beans that reflect the essence of the region's coffee heritage.


The property also boasts a selection of versatile event spaces, thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of gatherings and occasions, such as a grand ballroom. This part of the property provides a spacious and versatile venue, making it an ideal Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination in the region. With its state-of-the-art facilities and adaptable layout, this pillarless marvel is poised to be a true game-changer in the MICE industry in the area, setting new standards for elegance, flexibility, and sophistication in event spaces.


"As a property managed by The Ascott Limited, Citadines Bacolod City exemplifies our commitment to providing a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and top-notch service," said Philip Barnes, the Ascott Limited’s Country General Manager. "We are delighted to bring this exceptional brand to Bacolod City and offer travelers a sophisticated stay experience."


The property’s strategic location puts it in close proximity to several of the city’s key amenities and facilities. This includes some of Bacolod City’s top universities, shopping malls, central business districts, and restaurants. Citadines Bacolod City’s central location makes it an attractive choice for business and leisure travelers seeking a well-connected base to explore the city's vibrant offerings.


Along with Bacolod’s rapid urban growth, Citadines Bacolod City’s establishment in the city can help pave the way for further economic boon for the area as a whole. The property’s capacity to become a MICE destination leader in the region can significantly contribute to the city’s revenue generation, business opportunities, and diversification of income. It can also help maintain the region’s occupancy levels, especially during special cultural events like the Masskara Festival, and promote the Ascott brand to the Visayas region.


In terms of future growth, Ascott believes Citadines Bacolod City presents a steep growth potential in the coming years. With Bacolod's popularity as a travel and business hub continuing to soar, the property is well-equipped to cater to the increasing demand for sophisticated accommodations and events facilities. Through its establishment in Bacolod, Ascott aims to strengthen its brand presence in the Panay area by exploring opportunities for expansion and enhancing guest experiences in other key cities within the region.


As Citadines Bacolod City opens its doors to the public, the property invites guests to indulge in a world-class stay experience, backed by Ascott's legacy of exceptional service and unparalleled hospitality. Guests can reserve and advance and look out for updates by visiting the property’s official website and the following social media pages, Facebook and Instagram.


Monday, September 25, 2023

SM Scholars from Roxas City Volunteer to Clean the New School Building Ahead of its Turnover

In time for the school year opening, SM Prime through SM Foundation turned over a fully furnished two-storey building to the President Manuel Roxas Memorial Integrated School-South in Roxas City, Western Visayas.

The 104th school building made through the collaboration is built in accordance with specifications set by the Department of Education (DepEd). It holds four classrooms, each furnished with desks, chairs for left-handed students, toilets per classroom, including a special toilet for PWDs on the ground floor.

It also includes concave blackboards, electric fans, and LED lighting. Emergency lights were installed in the stairways for emergency-preparedness.

Supporting DepEd’s commitment to ensure that learners have access to water for hygiene and sanitation, SM Foundation installed a handwashing facility along with liquid soap for the community’s use.

To further assist, the SM group will help with the maintenance and upkeep of the said school.

Social Good 

SMFI School Building head, Juris Soliman (center) leads the preparation if the school building turnover. 


It was earlier announced by DepEd that roughly 21 million students enrolled this school year 2023-2024. Amidst this, the agency reported that only over 100,000 out of the more than 300,000 school buildings are in good condition.

Believing in the power of education in uplifting communities, SM Foundation has been an active member of DepEd’s Adopt-a-School Program since 2002, turning over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities nationwide. The said program intends to address overcrowding in schools and provide an environment conducive for learning.

Friday, April 3, 2020

LBC Moving to 'Flatten The Curve': P50M for Mass Program


LBC heeds the government’s call to move for the nation, during this time of COVID-19, and commits Php 50 million worth of supply of (washable/reusable) 2-ply masks, to support Filipino communities and mitigate the virus’ spread in at-risk areas. This affirmative action is part of LBC’s response, and in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the temporary shortage of masks and distribution of these in densely populated areas of the country will be addressed. “The current situation calls for people to do their ‘part’: be it by staying at home or having to risk their own safety by going to work, to treat the sick. For us at LBC, our ‘part’ is to move-- together with our courageous frontliners, and join the fight,” said Executive Director of the LBC Foundation, Nena L. Wuthrich.

“LBC is starting this mask program with hopes of being one with all Filipinos--to ‘flatten the curve.’ This initiative is also set to assist in educating the public more, on the vital function of masks to protect not just themselves, but also others around them. We believe that masks can and will save lives,” Wuthrich adds. This initiative concurs with the recent announcement of The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, mandating the public to wear any type of mask before leaving their place of residence, to minimize or if not totally to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus from one person to another.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

LBC Offers Lowest Rates Ever for Domestic Remittance Services

Committed to providing Filipinos access to cheap and convenient remittance services, LBC Express Inc., the leader in money remittance services, announces its lowest rate ever. For as low as Php2, senders can send their money to their loved ones with the help of LBC’s over 1,400 branches nationwide with its cheaper Instant Peso Padala service.
This announcement aims to benefit the over 52 million unbanked Filipinos, a number released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 2018.

“We understand that sending and receiving money from your loved ones may be hindered with access to digital means. That is why our over 1,400 branches are open to serve as transaction points so Filipinos don’t have to worry about remitting money wherever in the country they may be. Our strong network coupled with these affordable rates will enable Filipinos to do quick, cheap, and safe financial transactions,” said OLV.

The new rates are as follows:
Amount
Provincial Rate
Manila Rate
Php0.01-Php100
Php2
Php3
Php100.01-Php200
Php3
Php6
Php200.01-Php300
Php5
Php9
Php300.01-Php400
Php8
Php12
Php400.01-Php500
Php8
Php15
Php500.01-Php600
Php10
Php18
Php600.01-Php700
Php10
Php21
Php700.01-Php800
Php12
Php24
Php800.01-Php900
Php12
Php27
Php900.01-Php1000
Php15
Php30
Php1000.01-Php1500
Php20
Php45
Php1500.01-Php2000
Php30
Php60
Php2000.01-Php2500
Php40
Php75
Php2500.01-Php3000
Php 50
Php90
Php3000.01-Php4000
Php70
Php120
Php4000.01-Php5000
Php90
Php125

To avail of the Instant Peso Padala service, LBC customers just need to go to the nearest LBC branch, fill out the form and hand their cash. In a few minutes, the cash is ready for pick up at any LBC branch in the Philippines.

LBC remains bullish of the remittance transactions in the Philippines citing that Filipinos are still looking after secured and fast means to send and encash money. For more information on LBC’s services, visit https://www.lbcexpress.com/.

ABOUT LBC

LBC is the Philippines’ market leader in retail and corporate courier & cargo, money remittance, and logistics services. With a growing network of over 6,400 branches, hubs & warehouses, partners, and agents in over 30 countries, LBC is committed to moving lives, businesses, and communities and delivering smiles around the world. Listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange through LBC Express Holdings, Inc., LBC aims to deliver value to all of its stakeholders, as it has for over 60 years. Founded in 1945 as a brokerage and air cargo agent, LBC pioneered time-sensitive cargo delivery and 24-hour door-to-door delivery in the Philippines. Today, it is the most trusted logistics brand of the Global Filipino. LBC can move it for you: visit www.LBCexpress.com, or call telephone +632 8585 999 (Metro Manila), 1 800 10 8585 999 (Provincial), +632 9086 522 (Solutions) and follow LBCExpress (Facebook and Twitter).