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| L-R: CITEM Assistant Division Chief Peter Joseph Tapang, CITEM Service Business Department Manager Marjo Evio, 2GO Group Inc. Consultant Atty Rowel Barba, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head Faye Alonzo, 2GO Group Inc. Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications Ethel Concepcion, 2GO Travel Business Unit Head Francis Chua (Image Source: The Metropolista/2GO Group Inc.) |
2GO, the Philippines’ largest end-to-end logistics and transportation solutions provider, has partnered with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) as a Business Solutions Partner for Manila FAME 2025, happening on October 16-18, 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Through this partnership, 2GO will have the opportunity to offer logistics support to exhibitors and buyers at the country’s premier design and lifestyle event. With services covering sea, land, and air freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and sea travel, 2GO is prepared to move prized and fragile cargo safely across the Philippines and beyond. Tailored solutions will also be made available to help participants bring their products to the event and distribute them back to markets nationwide or to local and international buyers.
“2GO is honored to partner with CITEM in supporting Manila FAME 2025. We recognize the importance of this event in showcasing Filipino creativity to both local and global markets. Through our logistics expertise, we aim to make it easier for exhibitors to participate, connect with buyers, and explore new opportunities,” said 2GO Forwarding Business Unit Head Faye Alonzo. With exhibitors and visitors coming from all over the world, 2GO will support their journey by providing integrated logistics and sea travel services. This ensures both participants and their products reach Manila smoothly and securely. As the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, CITEM continues to champion local small- and medium-scale enterprises and artisan communities. “With Manila FAME, our goal has always been to provide a global platform for Filipino craftsmanship. Our partnership with 2GO ensures that participants have reliable logistics support throughout their journey, so they can focus on sharing their designs, products, and stories with the world,” said CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo.
The return of Manila FAME in 2024 featured 340 exhibitors and welcomed more than 5,700 visitors who sourced the best home, fashion, and lifestyle products in the country. This year, the show is expected to be bigger, with more than 10,000 buyers, exhibitors, media, and industry practitioners anticipated to attend, including leaders in architecture, interior design, and hospitality. Manila FAME 2025 will once again position the Philippines as a sourcing destination for high-quality, design-driven home, fashion, holiday, and interior products, while strengthening collaboration between local industries and global markets.
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Scholarship Program's First Summa Cum Laude Marks Palawan Group's 40th Year
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| From scholar to Summa Cum Laude: Mae Kyla Tabla (third from left), the first Summa Cum Laude of the Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program and a graduate of BS Business Administration Major in Financial Management at the Palawan State University, poses with members of the Palawan Group Board of Directors: (first from left) Founder and Chairman Bobbly L. Castro, (from fourth from left) Co-Founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro, Chief Business Development Officer Lisa Castro-Sabado, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lilian Castro-Selda, Executive VP and Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando (Image Source: Punto! Central Luzon/2GO Group Inc.) |
In a heartfelt celebration of achievement and hope, the Palawan Group of Companies recently held a thanksgiving ceremony to honor the 2025 graduates of the Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program (PGC-SP). This is another testament to its long-standing commitment to education as one of the key pillars of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. The thanksgiving lunch brought together graduates from various universities, their proud families, and Palawan Group associates who have been instrumental in supporting the scholars throughout their academic journey, serving as their ates, kuyas, and mentors. Emotional testimonies were shared, highlighting stories of ambition, resilience, and the transformative impact of education.
In her remarks, Palawan Group Co-Founder and Deputy Chairman Angelita M. Castro said, “Napakahalaga sa amin ng pagbabalik ng mga biyayang natatanggap – ‘di lamang ng aming pamilya, kung ‘di nitong ating kumpanya. Kaya naman, nang unti-unting lumago ang ang Palawan Group, naisip namin, mainam na magtatag ng scholarship program. Ang aming buong pamilya ay nakapagtapos bilang mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Nais rin naman makatulong makapagpabago ng buhay ng iba. (Giving back to the community is very important to us – not just to our family, but to the Palawan Group. When the business started growing, we knew we wanted to build a scholarship program. All of us in the family received the gift of education by being scholars ourselves. So we wanted to also do something to change lives.)” This year’s celebration carries an even more special meaning as it coincides with the company’s 40th anniversary and features a historic first: the graduation of PGC-SP’s first-ever summa cum laude Mae Kyla Tabla who earned her BSBA major Financial Management from the Palawan State University. Expressing gratitude to the Palawan Group Board of Directors and associates, she said, “The Palawan Group Scholarship Program instilled in me the perseverance to continue pursuing my education and my dreams, no matter how bumpy the road has been and will be.”
Palawan Group Chief Human Resources Officer Korina Castro-Fernando advised the graduates to continue reaching for their goals and to give back to their families and to the country, remarking, “you made it to this day, and we, your Palawan Group family is very proud of you. Ang tanging hiling naming sa inyo, ibahagi ang biyaya at pag-asang inyong natanggap – sa inyong mga pamilya, at sa bayan. Maging mabuting tao, saan man kayo dalhin ng buhay. (Our only ask is that you give back – share your blessing, to your families, to your communities, to the country. Do well by doing good, and be kind wherever life takes you.)” For the Palawan Group of Companies, CSR is not just about business. The Palawan Group of Companies Scholarship Program was established in 1998 and has produced a total of 778 graduates – many of whom are now licensed teachers, engineers, certified public accountants, and entrepreneurs. A great number has also joined the Palawan Group in its pursuit of serving more Sukis throughout the country.
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TBA Studios’ “Quezon” Announces Special Ticket Price For Students And Teachers
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/TBA Studios) |
Students and teachers can watch the much-awaited historical biopic “Quezon” at a special price when the film begins its Philippine theatrical run on October 15, 2025. TBA Studios has officially announced that “Quezon” movie tickets will be available to students and teachers for only Php250. To avail of the special rate, students and teachers simply need to present a valid school ID at ticket counters in participating cinemas nationwide. According to TBA President and COO Daphne O. Chiu-Soon, the special ticket price aims to encourage students and educators to see “Quezon” specifically on the big screen. She said, “The best way to watch ‘Quezon’ is on the big screen. We are encouraging Filipinos to watch and experience ‘Quezon’ in the cinema, where it is meant to be seen. TBA Studios designed ‘Quezon’ to be a true cinematic experience. This is evident from the film’s star-studded ensemble cast — including Jericho Rosales playing the role of Manuel L. Quezon and our ‘import’ Iain Glen of the hit fantasy television series “Game of Thrones” playing Leonard Wood — to its entirely world-class technical and artistic execution.”
Chiu-Soon, who is also credited as one of the film’s producers, shared that the studio is open to making “Quezon” available on streaming platforms, though not in the immediate future. Directed by Jerrold Tarog, ‘Quezon’ is the much-awaited conclusion to TBA Studios’ cinematic “Bayaniverse” trilogy, a series of films based on Philippine history. The “Bayaniverse” includes 2015’s “Heneral Luna”, the Philippines’ highest-grossing historical movie of all time, and 2018’s critically acclaimed “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”. The film will focus on the titular Manuel L. Quezon during the American occupation. The full synopsis goes: “When his fight for Philippine independence from the United States is put to the test, Manuel L. Quezon finds himself playing the brutal game of politics to outmaneuver his rivals — including Leonard Wood, Sergio Osmeña, and Joven Hernando. In his relentless quest for power, he eventually faces off with Emilio Aguinaldo in the 1935 Philippine presidential elections, using charm and favoritism as both weapons and currency, in a campaign that ultimately changes the face of Philippine politics and history.” Joining Rosales and Glen as part of the cast of are Benjamin Alves as Young Manuel L. Quezon and Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, reprising their roles from “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”. Arron Villaflor also returns to the “Bayaniverse” as Joven Hernando with Cris Villanueva playing the role of the older Joven Hernando. The ensemble cast also includes Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, and Karylle. Completing the cast are Jake Macapagal, Bodjie Pascua, Angeli Bayani, Jojit Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa, Therese Malvar, Ana Abad Santos, Ketchup Eusebio, and Nico Locco.
Chiu-Soon emphasized that while the film is the conclusion to the film studios’ acclaimed “Bayaniverse” trilogy, “Quezon” is a stand-alone film. Following its Philippine theatrical premiere, “Quezon” will be released internationally at a later date. For complete guidelines on the special ticket price for students and teachers, contact the cinema of your choice.
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Acer Debuts New Swift Air 16 – Ultralight Copilot+ PC For Modern Mobile Professionals
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| Acer Swift Air 16 (Image Source: Acer) |
Acer recently announced the new Swift Air 16 (SFA16-61M), the latest addition to its thin-and-light Swift laptop lineup. Developed for professionals who work on the go, the new model brings a compelling blend of cutting-edge AI computing, immersive visuals, and incredibly impressive design, resulting in a featherlight feel. At the core of the Swift Air 16 is the latest generation of AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series processors, featuring up to an AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 350 processor, enabling seamless execution of local AI applications and enhanced responsiveness while maintaining low power consumption. Equipped with powerful AMD processors, Swift Air 16 ensures robust performance for video conferencing, streaming, editing, and creative workflows.
As a Copilot+ PC, the Swift Air 16 unlocks access to unique AI experiences such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview), and Improved Windows Search to streamline collaboration, content creation, and productivity. Users also benefit from swift boot times, ample file storage, and smooth performance across demanding applications. The Swift Air 16 is built for those who travel frequently and value mobility without compromising performance. The laptop’s elegant chassis is crafted from magnesium-aluminum alloy, offering reliable durability while keeping the weight under 1 kilogram (2.18 pounds), making it one of the lightest 16-inch laptops available. Plus, the device is available in four color profiles and fits effortlessly into any work setting, from coffee shops and co-working spaces to boardrooms. Users can choose between a 16-inch WQXGA+ AMOLED with a 120 Hz refresh rate or a WUXGA IPS display with a 60 Hz refresh rate option and a 16:10 aspect ratio for wide viewing and work space. The AMOLED option brings deep blacks, vivid colors, and exceptional clarity with full support for the DCI-P3 color gamut and 400 nits peak brightness – ideal for designers and freelancers.
Additional features include a 2MP Full HD IR camera with privacy shutter, enabling secure facial recognition via Windows Hello and delivering crystal-clear video calls even in low-light conditions. The device is also equipped with dual speakers and dual microphones for immersive audio quality. The Swift Air 16 hosts versatile connectivity options for peripherals and external displays. It comes with two full-function USB Type-C ports, USB 3.2 Type-A, and HDMI 1.4 with HDCP support. Wireless support includes Wi-Fi 6E and the latest Bluetooth standard, providing fast and stable connections wherever possible.
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From Plate To Platform: Kenny Rogers Roasters Brings Its 30-Year Legacy Of Deliciously Healthy Eating To Life With A First-Ever LRT-1 Takeover
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| (Image Source: Pilipino Mirror/Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines) |
Kenny Rogers Roasters is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a bold move that takes its message of self-love and deliciously healthy living beyond its doors. Making history as the first fast-casual dining restaurant to roll out an advertising campaign on LRT-1, Kenny Rogers Roasters is turning everyday commutes into uplifting, flavor-filled journeys. In a crowded food and dining market, Kenny Rogers Roasters wanted its milestone celebration to go beyond recognition. It wanted to spark genuine connection to remind Filipinos that self-love and making healthier choices are worth celebrating every day.
As it marks its 30th year, Kenny Rogers Roasters is celebrating one of its most personal and empowering campaigns yet, “I Love Me Better”. The brand believes that choosing what’s best for yourself requires both intention and courage, especially when it comes to food. Through this campaign, Kenny Rogers Roasters champions self-love and deliciously healthy eating, showing that even simple choices, like opting for healthier meals, can be meaningful acts of self-care. To bring this bold message to life, the “I Love Me Better” campaign made its mark in high-traffic, unexpected spaces — most notably through a fully wrapped LRT-1 train. The train showcased the brand’s signature colors, with handrails featuring motivational reminders such as “Be you, do you, for you”, “Celebrate small wins”, and “Healthy looks good on you”. Overhead panels were also fitted with QR codes, guiding commuters to a special landing page that extended the campaign’s message beyond the ride.
Through the Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines website's official page, commuters can explore Kenny Rogers Roasters’ deliciously healthy meals. Every ride becomes a little moment of inspiration, turning daily commutes into interactive experiences. “Our 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past but also a promise for the future. For three decades, we’ve been committed to offering Filipinos meals that are both flavorful and healthy. With this milestone, we want to remind everyone that self-love and healthier choices should be celebrated every day,” said Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines President and CEO Frederick Siy.
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UGREEN Launches New MagFlow Qi2 25W Lineup, Pioneering A New Era Of Faster Magnetic Charging
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/UGREEN) |
UGREEN, a leading global consumer electronics brand, today announced its next-generation MagFlow Series of magnetic wireless chargers with Qi2 25W support. Engineered for the latest open standard, the lineup delivers fast wireless charging with precise magnetic alignment. These new chargers offer seamless compatibility across both Apple and Android devices, including the newly released Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or iPhone 16 series using newer iOS 26, and the upcoming iPhone 17 series.
The MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 25W (₱2,599) delivers next-generation Qi2 25W charging, capable of powering an iPhone 16 Pro Max to 50% in around 30 minutes. It features a built-in USB-C cable that supports 30W two-way fast charging and doubles as a carry strap, while UGREEN’s SmartCharge technology enables simultaneous charging of three devices. With strong magnetic hold, real-time battery display, and 13-layer safety protection including temperature control, it offers compact, all-day power in a travel-ready design. The MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W (₱2,700) delivers fast Qi2 charging for iPhone while powering AirPods at the same time. Its foldable design with adjustable stand supports multiple viewing angles, making it ideal for Apple’s StandBy mode at home or on the go. Expanding on multi-device capability, the MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Foldable Wireless Charger 25W (₱2,700) provides a complete Apple ecosystem solution by charging iPhone and AirPods together. Its foldable, space-saving design keeps the footprint minimal on desks or while traveling.
Designed for desks and nightstands, the MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger 25W (₱5,999) delivers stable Qi2 charging with a weighted base and an adjustable stand that supports 70° tilting. It powers iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, allowing you to watch videos or use navigation conveniently while charging. Advanced thermal management ensures both safety and a clean, organized setup ideal for home or office. Completing the lineup, the MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad 25W (₱1,599) delivers full Qi2 25W charging in a minimalist, slimline design for users who prefer the classic pad style of charging. Each product in the MagFlow series incorporates high-strength magnets and advanced safety protocols, ensuring secure attachment and protection across all charging scenarios. The all-new UGREEN Magflow series is now available on Shopee, TikTok Shop and Lazada.
