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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Metrobank Foundation Inc.) |
Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI), in partnership with Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP), formally turned over a boat trailer to the coastal barangays of Sicmil and Sioron in Gigmoto, Catanduanes. The ceremonial turnover brought together officials from the local government of Gigmoto, representatives from GNIP, and officers from MBFI. Designed to secure boats ahead of severe weather, the boat trailer provides a practical solution to protect vital fishing assets, helping mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the community’s primary source of income. The donation will directly benefit 123 fisherfolks whose livelihood remains at risk due to frequent typhoons and storm surges in the region.
Catanduanes, situated along the typhoon belt, is one of the most disaster-prone provinces in the Philippines. By enabling the safe evacuation of boats to higher ground, this intervention strengthens community preparedness and resilience in the face of recurring climate hazards. This initiative marks the first approved grant under MBFI’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Priorities under the Foundation’s Health, Education, Livelihood, and Disaster Preparedness (H.E.L.D.) thrusts. The project reflects MBFI’s strategic direction in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly those facing recurring climate-related risks. “The Metrobank Foundation recognizes the critical importance of proactive preparedness in reducing disaster-related losses. Through this project, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting solutions that build safer and more resilient communities,” said GNIP Resource Development Manager Grace Bautista.
The initiative demonstrates the impact of collaboration between the private sector and civil society in addressing local challenges through targeted, community-based interventions. It also advances MBFI’s mission to foster partnerships that enable communities to protect lives, secure livelihoods, and contribute to inclusive development. In addition to advancing DRRM initiatives, MBFI champions excellence in public service, uplifts the next generation through support for students and educators, and forges strategic partnerships with social development organizations to deliver high-impact programs in health, education, livelihood, and community resilience.
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Future Engineers From Mapúa Unwrap Fiber Tech At PLDT And Smart Technolab
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Mapúa University students majoring in Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) dove deeper into fiber optic networks at the PLDT and Smart Technolab as they prepare for their capstone projects. “We hope that the insights shared will excite our future engineers about the future of fiber. We also enjoyed sharing our experience in building PLDT’s fiber infrastructure and Smart’s nationwide network,” said proud Mapúa alumnus and PLDT and Smart Vice President and Head of Network Facilities and Field Operations Alvin Ilano. The ECE students are working on transport network technologies for their final course requirement. To help deepen the students’ knowledge, PLDT and Smart transport experts spoke about fiber optic and DWDM (Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing) networks. PLDT’s fiber infrastructure — the most extensive in the country — supports Smart’s mobile network.
The experience provided a fresh perspective for the future engineers who saw firsthand how actual fiber cables are handled, installed, maintained, and used to connect customers. “It was my first time to pull apart a cross-section of a fiber optic cable. Learning about how the system works from actual engineers made me feel like I’m a step closer to being a professional myself,” said incoming fourth year ECE major Oliver F. Pagne. The Mapúa students also tried their hands at upcoming digital innovations such as Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), Network Disaggregation, Cloudification, Automation, Extended Reality, and Internet of Things applications. The PLDT and Smart Technolab serves as an innovation hub where the Group tests game-changing communication solutions that are not yet available commercially. As part of the Group’s push for a cybersafe Philippines, the students also learned practical #BeCyberSmart tips on how to avoid falling for phishing scams. Backstopping PLDT and Smart’s robust physical infrastructure is a strong cybersecurity culture. In the first half of the year, the Group has prevented more than 1.4 billion phishing text messages from reaching customers. It has also blocked more than 330,000 mobile numbers engaged in illegal activities from its network in the same period.
Mapúa has been a partner of the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) since 2009. Mapúa’s Team YOLO was one of the finalists in the inaugural run of PLDT and Smart’s Innovation Generation in 2020. The PLDT Group’s continued investment in enhancing its integrated fixed and wireless network, including its robust 5G infrastructure, is aligned with the Group’s commitment to deliver leveled-up customer experience across the country. Its efforts to provide connectivity to all, level up services, and protect customers from cyber criminals highlight its commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) particularly SDG #9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
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Sky-High Wedding Proposal Aboard AirAsia Philippines Flight To Bohol
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/AirAsia Philippines) |
AirAsia Philippines became part of a couple’s purposeful journey to forever when a guest got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend during their flight to Tagbilaran, Bohol witnessed by family, friends, and fellow guests. Mark Anthony Adviento, 37, carefully planned the surprise engagement for his 32-year-old girlfriend Myra Donne Chua and reached out to AirAsia Philippines weeks in advance for assistance. The World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, known for championing purposeful journeys, proudly supported Mark as he turned a regular flight into a life milestone.
Mark describes their relationship as an “answered prayer”. The two first met in August 2022, but it wasn’t until May 2024 that they began getting to know each other more deeply. After patiently waiting and being turned down three times, Myra finally said “yes” to being his girlfriend in December 2024 — a testament to Mark’s humility, faith, and trust in God’s perfect timing. After months of tedious planning, Mark finally executed the much-awaited proposal in an AirAsia Z2 350 flight, asking Myra to be his wife. Mark shares, “I chose to propose on an AirAsia flight because all our loved ones were with us. It was the perfect setting for such a memorable moment. AirAsia’s exceptional service, safety, and great value made it an easy choice and with the hashtag #LoveIsInTheAIRAsia, it just felt right.”
The entire cabin erupted in cheers as Myra said the sweet “yes” mid-flight proving that love can indeed take flight, especially when it’s built on faith, patience, and purpose. In the conduct of the proposal, the airline ensured that all safety protocols were strictly adhered to.
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Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan Farming Program Moves Forward In SM City Lipa, 93 Farmers Honored In Graduation Ceremony
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/SM Foundation Inc.) |
SM Foundation Inc., in collaboration with SM Markets and SM City Lipa, proudly held the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program – Moving Forward Ceremony last August 6, 2025 at Cinema 1 – SM City Lipa, celebrating the achievements of 93 farmers from various barangays in San Juan, Batangas. Representing Barangay Janao-Janao, Barangay Palahanan 1, Barangay Paling-owak, and Barangay Pulangbato, the farmers were recognized for completing the program and embracing a more sustainable and market-ready approach to agriculture.
The Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program, initiated in 2007 by the late SM Group founder Henry Sy Sr., aims to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers through modern and effective farming techniques, ultimately improving productivity, profitability, and food security in local communities. The program continues to expand its impact through strong partnerships with government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The Moving Forward Ceremony featured testimonials from the graduates and discussions on the next-phase opportunities. With the continued dedication of SM Foundation and its partners, Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan continues to plant the seeds of hope and progress across rural communities in the Philippines.
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CHERRY Cares Holds Orientation For New PLMAR And PLM CherrySkwela Scholars
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| (Image Source: CHERRY Philippines) |
CHERRY Cares, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of CHERRY Philippines, continues to advocate for education for over 10 years. Last July 11 and 15, 2025, the team conducted an orientation for the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMAR) and the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) scholars. Certificates were given to recognize learners as official scholars of the CherrySkwela: Educational Assistance Program of MSN Foundation Incorporated. The team successfully selected students who passed the rigid selection process based on academic performance, financial need, and personal background.
The CHERRYSkwela is an educational assistance program committed to providing not only financial support but also the development of students through training and seminars. It aims to equip scholars with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally, offering guidance that extends beyond the classroom. With this well-rounded approach, CHERRY Cares hopes to shape responsible, skilled, and confident individuals ready to face the challenges of the real world.
Through efforts like these, CHERRY Cares continues to uplift the lives of Filipino youth by giving them access to meaningful opportunities and academic resources. The brand remains firm in its mission to promote inclusive learning and inspire future leaders — empowered individuals who will one day make a difference in their communities and beyond.
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AirAsia Philippines Warms Up The Sky This Rainy Season With Beef Sinigang
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/AirAsia Philippines) |
As the rainy season sets in across the country, AirAsia Philippines is bringing warmth and nostalgia to the skies with the launch of its new Q3 2025 Santan inflight menu headlined by hearty Filipino classic Beef Sinigang. Often enjoyed at home during cold or rainy days, the tender beef simmered in a savory, sour tamarind broth with fresh vegetables can now be enjoyed 30,000 feet and above.
“Rainy days bring a different kind of travel experience. It offers an opportunity to provide even more comfort to our guests through something as simple as food. Our inflight menu is constantly evolving and staying inclusive, and with every warm dish like Beef Sinigang, we’re finding new ways to bring the feeling closer to home,” said AirAsia Philippines CEO & President Capt. Suresh Bangah. Adding sweetness to the Q3 menu lineup, AirAsia introduces Buko Pandan Milk and Buko Pandan Latte. The milk version is a creamy and refreshing drink made with young coconut and aromatic pandan while the latte adds a mild coffee kick to the nostalgic flavor blend. Each drink is available for Php170.
As the airline that connects communities and cultures across the region, AirAsia continues to innovate its Santan inflight meals every quarter while ensuring all dishes in the Q3 menu are Halal-certified to cater to the diverse dietary needs of its guests.
