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| (Image Source: Jollibee Group) |
As a global restaurant company committed to sustainable business practices, the Jollibee Group recognizes the need to engage with supplier partners like Lamb Weston and McCain Foods, who both share the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing. As it continues to expand globally, Jollibee Group is bolstering its partnership with global suppliers that share its commitment to sustainability as aligned with the company’s global sustainability agenda called Joy for Tomorrow which aims to integrate its sustainable business practices into a more cohesive framework that unites the entire organization and guides its engagement with stakeholders and partners.
McCain Foods is a Canada-based company specializing in fries and specialty potato products. For two decades, it has been a reliable supplier of the Jollibee Group which works closely with 3,500 farmers to reimagine a more sustainable way to grow potatoes. Anchored in its regenerative agricultural practice, Farms of the Future supports farmers in adopting techniques that conserve water, minimize chemical fertilizer usage, and enhance soil health. These efforts contribute to its inclusive goal of empowering its farmers to face threats in the global food system such as climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and food waste. McCain Foods aims to further its commitment to responsible sourcing by operating three Farms of the Future in different growing regions on top of its locations in Canada and South Africa by 2025. This project is one of several initiatives that helped place McCain Foods at the 55th rank in the 2023 Food and Agriculture Benchmark. The Food and Agriculture Benchmark is part of the World Benchmarking Alliance, which provides an essential tool for measuring and comparing corporate performance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). It measures and ranks 350 keystone companies – from farm to fork – on key issues underpinning the food systems transformation agenda.
For its part, Lamb Weston, a global producer and processor of frozen potato products and one of Jollibee Group’s longtime potato suppliers, has comprehensive sustainability goals focused on food, people, and the planet. One of its banner initiatives is its Sustainable Agriculture program which continuously improves its processes, adopts the latest equipment and technology, and shares the best practices with its growers. Before introducing them to its growers, Lamb Weston recently piloted its technologies and practices in 100 Circles Farm – its 20,000-acre farm in Paterson, Washington, United States. With this, the company can better understand the opportunities and challenges that the farmers encounter. Lamb Weston has also invested in soil research and technologies, believing that healthy soil is the key to climate resiliency and long-term productivity.
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Future Tech Mavericks Experience Cutting-Edge Innovations At PLDT-Smart Technolab
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| Students of Siena College of Taytay learn about the cutting-edge technologies introduced at the PLDT-Smart TechnoLab (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) gave future tech mavericks from Siena College of Taytay (SCT) a glimpse into upcoming cutting-edge technologies housed inside the PLDT-Smart TechnoLab that may one day find their way to everyday customers. “PLDT and Smart continue to explore and test innovations that will revolutionize the telco and IT industry. These include pioneering technologies not yet available to the Philippine public but have the potential to vastly improve customer experience,” said Roy Reyes, Senior Manager and Head of End-to-End Technologies under the Network Strategy and Transformation Office of PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart are currently testing Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), Network Disaggregation, and Extended Reality. More than 80 students taking up Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Information Technology at SCT not only learned about these innovations at the PLDT-Smart TechnoLab but also had the opportunity to experience Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). Casey Christian Francisco, a fourth-year Computer Science student who enjoyed the virtual reality experience, says the visit has been inspiring, “We are taught to be innovative, to think out of the box. And seeing PLDT and Smart doing the same thing, it really gives us more drive to work harder on the things that we create.” The visit also amazed Weishan Peñaranda, a third-year Computer Engineering student, stating, “Talking to my groupmates, we’re thinking of collaborating with the PLDT-Smart TechnoLab to help us on the research phase of our capstone project.”
SCT has been a part of the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) since June 2006 and is the only SWEEP school east of Metro Manila. SWEEP is the country’s first and longest-running Philippine industry-academe linkage program run by Smart for the past 20 years. Underscoring the value of promoting STEM education in the country, SWEEP and its initiatives to welcome students to the PLDT-Smart TechnoLab are aligned with the PLDT Group’s much broader program for inclusive learning, and are also aimed at helping the country achieve UNSDG #4: Quality Education.
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A Day Of Gratitude: AirAsia Philippines Celebrates Big Wins With Travel Agency Partners
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| Representatives of AirAsia Philippines' Travel Agency Partners honored at 7th Redstar Awards (Image Source: AirAsia Philippines) |
For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, AirAsia Philippines hosted the 7th Redstar Awards to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of its Travel Agency Partners. During the 7th Redstar Awards, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla recalled that Online Travel Agents, Travel and Service Centers, and Travel Agency Partners served as AirAsia’s backbone when the airline was navigating through the pandemic.
“AirAsia Philippines is winning because of you, our travel agency partners, for keeping the travel and tourism industry alive. We are winning because people believe in what we do here in AirAsia — providing the best service and travel experience to millions of our guests,” Mr. Isla exalted. Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Marigel Tankiang Manotok thanked AirAsia for the recognition and committed the support of its members to the airline, stating, “Cheers to AirAsia Philippines, a true champion of affordable travel! May your wings continue to spread and bring dynamism to the Philippine travel industry." There are over 1,000 AirAsia Travel Agency Partners all throughout the Philippines. Big or small, Mr. Isla noted their contributions were also pivotal to AirAsia’s success. Last year, Travel Agency Partners’ sales accounted for almost 50% of AirAsia’s flight and ancillary revenues.
“As of May 2024, AirAsia is now flying a total of 12 domestic and 13 international destinations. Because of your (Travel Agency Partners) contribution, AirAsia Philippines continues to be the leading airline for leisure destinations such as Thailand, Boracay, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Panglao, and Cebu," Mr. Isla added. AirAsia plans on welcoming the second half of 2024 with the reopening of its Clark Hub backed with flights to new domestic and international destinations. Mr. Isla is banking on the strong support of its partners to help promote Clark as one of the major hubs in the country.
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Get vivo Y03 With Globe GPlan
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/Globe Telecom/vivo Philippines) |
The affordable gaming smarthone vivo Y03 is now free to avail for as low as Php599 per month with Globe GPlan. This Globe postpaid plan offers convenience and affordability, making the vivo Y03 within reach for every gaming enthusiast and smartphone user. The available variant of the vivo Y03 boasts 4 GB of RAM paired with 128 GB of ROM, ensuring smooth performance and ample storage for all your gaming and multimedia needs. Under Globe GPlan 599, subscribers can avail of the vivo Y03 without any cashout. Additionally, the plan includes 2 GB of data and 100 all-net calls and texts, enabling users to stay connected with their loved ones online every day. As a bonus, subscribers will receive a free adaptor with their purchase.
The vivo Y03 is packed with features that cater to both gaming and everyday usage. Its impressive specifications include a spacious 128 GB ROM, expandable up to 1 TB, ensuring users never run out of storage space for their favorite games and media files. The device is powered by a robust 5000mAh battery with 15W fast charging support, guaranteeing uninterrupted gaming sessions. Furthermore, the vivo Y03 sports a 90Hz refresh rate display with high brightness and low blue light, providing users with a smooth and comfortable viewing experience. Equipped with an octa-core Helio G85 chip enhanced with Hyper-Engine Gaming Technology, the vivo Y03 delivers optimal gaming performance without compromising efficiency.
Other notable features of the vivo Y03 include IP54 dust and water resistance, multi-style portrait mode with a night filter, and an audio booster for a 150% volume increase. Running on Android 14 OS, users can enjoy the latest software innovations and updates. With its 6.56-inch screen size and impressive camera setup featuring a 13MP main camera and a 5MP selfie camera, the vivo Y03 offers a complete multimedia experience for users. Globe GPlan 590 with vivo Y03 can be availed at select Globe Stores nationwide and the Globe Online Store at new.globe.com.ph.
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Cebu Pacific Honors Top PH, International Travel Agencies At 18th Eagle Wings Awards
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| Representatives of Cebu Pacific's travel agent partners honored at 18th Eagle Wings Awards (Image Source: Manila Standard/Cebu Pacific) |
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, awarded its top-performing travel agencies in the recently concluded 18th Eagle Wings Awards held last April 23- 25, 2024 at Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel and The Funny Lion in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The Eagle Wings Awards is an annual event that recognizes the achievements and dedication of CEB’s travel agent partners in helping drive the airline’s success.
During the awarding ceremony, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Alexander Lao told the awardees, “This is our way of giving thanks to everyone who did a good job in helping Cebu Pacific keep soaring in the skies. Together, let us applaud your achievements, celebrate your successes, and inspire one another as we continue to chart new paths and offer safe, accessible, and affordable, flights for every Juan." CEB conferred awards to 60 travel agencies from its local and international stations. “At a time when exploration and discovery became cherished pursuits, each and every one of you played a pivotal role in shaping unforgettable experiences for travelers in the Philippines and beyond,” said CEB Director for Passenger Sales and Distribution Arlene Tena to the awardees.
CEB took the travel agents on a trip around Palawan as an extension of the airline’s gratitude. During the tour, the group had the opportunity to explore the island’s stunning natural landscapes, clear blue waters, and vibrant community. “Your partnership and dedication have been instrumental in Cebu Pacific’s success and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support over the years,” said Tena. CEB continues to operate the widest domestic network in the Philippines as it flies to 35 local destinations. The airline also flies to 24 international destinations with options to fly direct from Manila, Cebu, or Clark.
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Maya Unveils Next-Gen Ateneo De Manila University ID Card
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Maya) |
Have you caught sight of the latest innovation making waves at the Ateneo de Manila University? Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, has unveiled its cutting-edge ID card at the highly prestigious university, redefining campus experiences and revolutionizing security and cashless transactions for students, faculty, and staff alike. Featuring a sleek design and an embedded RFID chip, this Maya-powered ID card provides seamless access to vital university points, ensuring convenience and security not only on campus but also beyond. But here’s the kicker — it’s not just about identification.
Maya’s collaboration with Ateneo goes beyond mere convenience — it’s about revolutionizing the entire campus experience by linking this innovative ID card to the Maya app. Together with Maya’s end-to-end cashless ecosystem, it simplifies identification, empowers students, faculty, and staff to make secure payments across the campus, and drives the adoption of financial services. Additionally, the Ateneo community can experience smooth transactions not just within campus establishments like Kitchen City and Macroasia, but also at nearby off-campus establishments like McDonald’s and Starbucks. And there’s more — this ID card offers exclusive offers and promotions through the Maya app, in addition to enabling users to purchase load, pay bills, open savings accounts, and invest in Funds and Stocks, among other features.
With Maya leading the charge, the groundbreaking partnerships established with University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman in 2019, UP-Cebu in 2023, and this year’s collaboration with Ateneo are reshaping the educational landscape through cutting-edge technology. Say hello to secure, efficient, and modern campus environments, welcoming a new era of university experiences across the Philippines. To dive deeper into the Maya experience, head over to maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Don’t forget to follow Maya at @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates.
