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| Representatives of Palawan Group of Companies with Palawan Group ambassador and Philippine Youth Basketball Commission commissioner Benjie Paras honor youth basketball and support the next generation of Filipino athletes. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
The Palawan Group of Companies, through its e-wallet arm PalawanPay, reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development as the Platinum Sponsor of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC). Representatives from PalawanPay joined a PYBC-hosted fellowship lunch that brought together young basketball players from across the country, along with their families and coaches. The partnership underscores PalawanPay’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Filipino athletes by providing opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their talent, and live out the values of sportsmanship.
Palawan Group Chief Financial Officer and self-confessed basketball fan, Lilian Castro-Selda, emphasized how this partnership reflects the company’s broader mission to uplift Filipino communities, stating, “At Palawan Group, we have always believed in grassroots development. Whether in financial services, education, or sports, our mission is to empower Filipinos to build a brighter future. That is why partnering with PYBC is both a commitment and a privilege. It is our greatest honor to take part in giving Filipino youth the chance to dream, to learn, and to grow — both on and off the court. To our young athletes: basketball is more than just a game. Every time you put on your jersey, you carry values that will serve you for life — discipline, teamwork, resilience, grit, and respect. These are the same values we live by at the Palawan Group, and we are proud to support you as you strengthen them through sports.” The program officially opened with PYBC Commissioner Benjie Paras, PBA Hall of Famer and Palawan Group ambassador, who delivered an inspiring message to the players: “You’re all very lucky that this is your opportunity to be scouted by coaches and to be backed by our generous sponsors. My advice is this: in any league that you play in, you need to be committed. And when I say committed, that means putting in hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and of course, love for the game.”
To further inspire the young players, the fellowship lunch was also attended by Pinoy basketball icon Ronnie Magsanoc, who shared stories of his journey with Benjie Paras from San Beda to the PBA and beyond. PBA MotoClub members Rico Maierhofer and JJ Helterbrand also joined the program, motivating the players with their presence and stories. To recognize key partners, Tournament Director Carl Villanueva and Deputy Commissioner Paulo Layug presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors, highlighting their vital role in making the event possible. Through this partnership with PYBC, PalawanPay hopes to strengthen grassroots basketball programs and ensure that young players have access to opportunities that nurture growth. This commitment builds on Palawan Group’s long-standing advocacy for sports development and investing in the youth. The company believes investing in sports, Palawan not only develops champions on the court but also empowers Filipino youth to become champions in life.
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World Traveller Launches “Travel Tales” With Kach Umandap
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| Kach Umandap with the five Philippine passports she used to travel the world and the World Traveller Dubai Lime Punch luggage beside her (Image Source: BusinessWorld Online/World Traveller) |
Travel isn’t just about the destinations we reach — it’s about the stories we bring home. This is the vision behind Travel Tales, a new talk series by World Traveller that champions authentic travel experiences through the voices of seasoned explorers. For its inaugural session, World Traveller featured Kach Umandap, the youngest Filipina to journey across all 195 countries with a Philippine passport. In a live preview at Newport Mall, Kach went beyond her milestone to share the realities of traveling solo, busting myths and misconceptions many Filipinos have about visas, and shared smart travel hacks, and cultural encounters that shaped her global journey.
She revealed the simple tools that became her trusted travel companions — including her bright Dubai Lime Punch luggage from World Traveller, which she says is more than just stylish. Kach shared, “It’s so practical — with its neon color, I can always spot it immediately at the baggage claim carousel. It saves me time and keeps my travels stress-free.” She also led a session on first-time traveler myths — debunking common beliefs like “weekend bookings are cheapest” or “a return ticket is always required.” Instead, she armed the audience with actionable insights: book midweek for better deals, use onward tickets to satisfy immigration, and follow airlines’ newsletters for hidden promos. To complement her stories, the event featured a live packing demonstration with World Traveller luggage and The Travel Club’s smart travel essentials — from World Traveller packing cubes that maximize space, to World Traveller Digital Weighing Scales that save travelers from unexpected airport fees.
World Traveller Assistant Vice President Ruby Palma shared, “Travel Tales is our way of bringing real journeys closer to people. Kach’s story proves that travel isn’t just about ticking off countries — it’s about preparation, discovery, and meaningful connections. Our mission has always been to equip modern explorers with the right travel gear and inspire them to see the world with confidence.” Through Travel Tales, World Traveller reinforces its mission to equip and inspire modern explorers, proving that with the right mindset and the right gear, every trip — whether across oceans or across town — becomes a story worth telling. To stay updated on the latest collections, travel tips, and future Travel Tales sessions, visit www.worldtraveller.com.ph and follow World Traveller on social media for the latest happenings.
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HONOR 400 Now Available Nationwide With Smart Signature Plan Plus 1499
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/HONOR Philippines) |
Leading global smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially announced the availability of the new HONOR 400 in Smart Stores nationwide and via the Smart Online Shop, bundled with Smart Signature Plan Plus 1499. Following the successful launch of the HONOR 400 last June 17, the excitement and demand from the public showed no signs of slowing down. In fact, the AI-powered HONOR 400 sold out within just four days after its availability was announced. Today, HONOR proudly brings the much-anticipated HONOR 400 to Smart, one of the country’s leading telecommunications service providers. “We’re excited to make the HONOR 400 available through Smart’s Signature Plan Plus 1499. With unbeatable perks, free accessories, and ViLTE support for clearer connections, this offering gives Filipinos the best value to upgrade their mobile lifestyle,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
The HONOR 400 offers a sleek design, AI-powered performance, and seamless 5G connectivity — now made more accessible with Smart’s best-in-value Signature Plan Plus. Smart customers can choose from its three dynamic colorways: Desert Gold, Tidal Blue, or Midnight Black. Smart Signature Plan Plus 1499 is packed with 40 GB of data for 6 months and 120 GB data for the next 6 months, unlimited 5G data for 12 months, unlimited calls and texts to all networks, unlimited landline calls (excluding special numbers), a free subscription to Netflix Mobile Plan or ₱149 off on existing plan, access to postpaid perks, and extra 20 GB of FREE data for 6 months. The HONOR 400 is available at a total device cost of ₱19,700 only, with the added convenience of 0% downpayment when purchased using all major credit cards in the country. This makes owning the latest HONOR smartphone more accessible than ever, giving Filipinos flexible payment options while enjoying premium technology and exclusive Smart Signature Plan Plus perks.
Now available with Smart, the HONOR 400 takes everyday communication to the next level with Smart’s Video-over-LTE (ViLTE) feature, exclusive for Smart Postpaid subscribers. With this, Smart users can enjoy high-definition video calls with sharper clarity and more reliable connections compared to traditional voice calls; seamless and stable end-to-end connections, ensuring uninterrupted conversations; and no need for third-party apps — simply enable Smart VoLTE and use HONOR’s default Phone app. To maximize this feature, ViLTE calls are supported only between two Smart users, with at least one being a Smart Postpaid subscriber. The device must also be updated to version 9.0.0.165. The HONOR 400 with Smart Signature Plan Plus 1499 is now available at Smart Stores nationwide and via the Smart Online Shop at https://bit.ly/Smart_H400_PR.
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AirAsia Philippines Expands Cebu Routes, Connects More Local Communities To Global Gateways
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| (Image Source: AirAsia Philippines) |
AirAsia Philippines has strengthened its presence in Cebu by launching 3 domestic and 2 international routes initially, flying out of Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) beginning November 15, 2025. Building the excitement towards the official route launch, AirAsia Group Executives along with partners from the Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), operator of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), regional tourism officials and travel partners shared exciting updates among media partners. The World’s Best Low-Cost airline is set to revive its Cebu-Davao-Cebu with 18x weekly and Cebu-Caticlan-Cebu with 11x weekly while initiating a new domestic route Cebu-Iloilo-Cebu with 4x weekly. To bolster connectivity to Asean and beyond, AirAsia will fly back to its mega hub via Cebu-Kuala Lumpur-Cebu with 14x weekly flights and will offer value-driven alternative gateway to Hong Kong and China via Cebu-Macao-Cebu with 3x weekly flights.
AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo said, “Cebu is a cornerstone in our next phase of growth in the Philippines. By linking domestic feeders from across the Visayas and Mindanao into international gateways like Macao and Kuala Lumpur, we are creating a stronger bridge between local communities and the wider region. Through Kuala Lumpur alone, travellers from Cebu can seamlessly connect to more than 3,500 routes across Asia and beyond. We’ve restructured this hub to scale more sustainably, deepen our presence in Asean, and provide more affordable choices for millions of travelers. Beyond Kuala Lumpur and Macao, we are also planning additional international routes out of Cebu to further strengthen its role as another global gateway for the Philippines. With this, Cebu will play its part in realising our ambition to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier.” Beyond its year-round promo fares, AirAsia underscores its commitment to safety, reliability and overall operational efficiency — anchored to making purposeful journeys among guests. “Cebu as an international hub is strategically positioned to ease congestion in Manila, and serve the demand from Central Visayas to the southern part of the Philippines. This comeback expansion is about more than connectivity — it’s about encouraging local tourism, creating jobs, and supporting communities that depend on travel and trade. To meet the needs of this hub reopening, we have hired pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff based right here in Cebu. For our guests, every flight is a purposeful journey that connects them to opportunities, experiences, and loved ones — delivered with our commitment to safety, affordability, and world-class service,” said AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Capt. Suresh Bangah.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), meanwhile, lauds AirAsia’s route expansion and calls it a powerful synergy, strengthening Cebu’s position as a vital hub. “We are delighted to support AirAsia Philippines in launching their new direct flights from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur and Macau at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, giving us better connectivity and further promoting Cebu as a destination and as a tourism transfer hub,” said Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC) Chief Executive Officer Athanasios Titonis. To cap off the Cebu hub comeback, AirAsia is inviting Cebuanos to a Music Festival on November 15, 2025 featuring top Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists — a celebration of local talent and a gesture of appreciation for the community that plays a central role in AirAsia’s journey.
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VOLTME Partners With Silicon Valley To Bring Smarter And Reliable Charging Solutions To More Filipinos Nationwide
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| (Image Source: Digital Filipina/Cognetics Inc.) |
VOLTME, a global leader in next-generation charging technology, is now officially available at Silicon Valley stores nationwide. This partnership initiated by Cognetics Inc., VOLTME’s exclusive Philippine Distributor, makes VOLTME’s premium lineup of GaN chargers, power banks, and mobile accessories more accessible to Filipinos, empowering their connected lifestyles with reliable, fast, and high-quality charging solutions. With Filipinos ranking among the world’s most active digital users, the demand for efficient and future-ready charging devices has never been greater. VOLTME answers this need with cutting-edge innovations that combine speed, safety, and cost-effectiveness. By partnering with Silicon Valley, one of the country’s most trusted electronics and gadget retailers, VOLTME ensures that more Filipinos nationwide can experience smarter power solutions for their everyday lives.
“At Silicon Valley, we are dedicated to giving our customers access to the latest and most innovative technology brands. VOLTME’s lineup perfectly complements the lifestyle of today’s digital-savvy Filipinos, and we are proud to offer their products across all our stores nationwide,” said Silicon Valley Mobility Business Head Mark Bergola. “Our partnership with Silicon Valley is a milestone in VOLTME’s journey to empower more Filipinos. We believe that charging should be smarter, faster, and safer — and through Silicon Valley’s strong nationwide presence, we can now bring our technology closer to the people who need it most. We are rolling out to over 40 stores nationwide and looking forward to expanding to more Silicon Valley stores in time for the Holiday Season,” said Cognetics Inc. Integrated Marketing Manager and Business Development Lead Igue Bonifacio.
This collaboration represents VOLTME’s mission to continuously expand its footprint in the Philippines, providing next generation charging solutions that keep pace with the country’s growing digital ecosystem. VOLTME products are now available in Silicon Valley stores nationwide, offering Filipino consumers greater convenience and accessibility to globally trusted charging solutions. These include the following:
1. Alabang Town Center
2. Ayala Malls Glorietta
3. Ayala Malls Legazpi
4. Ayala Malls Market! Market!
5. Ayala Malls TriNoma
6. Festival Mall
7. KCC Mall General Santos
8. KCC Mall Zamboanga
9. Robinsons Manila
10. Robinsons Naga
11. Robinsons Pagadian
12. Robinsons Santiago
13. Robinsons Tuguegarao
14. SM City Bacoor
15. SM City BF Paranaque
16. SM City Bicutan
17. SM City Cabanatuan
18. SM City Calamba
19. SM City Cauayan
20. SM City Clark
21. SM City Dagupan
22. SM City Dasmarinas
23. SM City Fairview
24. SM City Grand Central
25. SM City Iloilo
26. SM City Manila
27. SM City Naga
28. SM City North EDSA
29. SM City Olongapo
30. SM City Pampanga
31. SM City Pulilan
32. SM City Rosales
33. SM City San Lazaro
34. SM City San Mateo
35. SM City San Pablo
36. SM City Sta. Rosa
37. SM City Sucat
38. SM City Tanza Cavite
39. SM City Tuguegarao
40. SM City Urdaneta
41. SM Mall of Asia
42. SM Megamall
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GTBA-ONEKLIK Travel Sale Expo 2025 Opens More Gateways For Filipinos To Travel The World
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| Spearheading the ribbon cutting which marked the official opening of the GTBA-ONEKLIK Travel Sale Expo 2025, L-R: Pam Navarro – United Airlines, Israel Ambassador H.E. Dana Kursh, India Ambassador H.E. Shri Harsh Kumar Jain, Maguindanao del Norte District Representative Cong. Dimple Mastura, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Global Tourism Business Association-Travel Sale Expo (GTBA-TSE) Chairperson Michelle G. Taylan, Indonesia Ambassador H.E. Agus Widjojo, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Asst. Secretary Rhenita B. Rodriguez, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Director Aleem Guiapal, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines Representative H.E. Wallace Minn-Gan Chow Representative, Senator Shelley Calvo – Majority Whip of the 38th Guam Legislature, Jocelyn Lim-Bata – Metrobank (Image Source: Manila Standard/ONEKLIK Events/Global Tourism Business Association) |
The third edition of the Travel Sale Expo (TSE) concluded its highly anticipated run last September 26–28, 2025 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City, once again cementing its reputation as the country’s premier travel fair. Organized by the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) and ONEKLIK Events in partnership with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), Boracay Malay, Aklan, LGU, Tourism Malaysia, Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and various embassies such as Malaysia Embassy, Indonesia Embassy, Cambodia Embassy, Laos Embassy, Vietnam Embassy, India Embassy and Brunei Embassy. The three-day event gathered over 200 booth exhibitors from the airline, hotel, cruise, and tour sectors, drawing tens of thousands of eager travelers and industry stakeholders. With its theme “Your Gateway To The World”, this year’s TSE brought together local and international partners offering unbeatable discounts, exclusive packages, and flexible payment terms for travelers. From domestic gems like Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu to international favorites such as Taiwan, Malaysia, and Vietnam, the expo showcased destinations fit for every type of wanderer — whether for leisure, culture, or faith-based tourism.
GTBA Founding Chairman and TSE Chairperson Michelle Taylan said the event aims to open the doors for the general public to see the world. She added, “We are moving towards democratizing travel for the everyday Filipino. The Travel Sale Expo is designed to make dream trips accessible, affordable, and stress-free. It’s not just about YOLO or FOMO anymore — people want smarter, value-packed travel choices, and that’s what we deliver.” Beyond offering markdowns on airfare and packages, the event also served as a networking hub for the tourism industry. Seminars and dialogues between local suppliers, international operators, and government agencies facilitated discussions on emerging travel trends, halal tourism, and sustainable growth opportunities. A major highlight this year was the expanded partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which worked alongside the Department of Tourism (DOT) to spotlight local products and services that reflect the Philippines’ rich culture and heritage. This collaboration also emphasized promoting Muslim-friendly travel, strengthening the country’s position as a welcoming destination for ASEAN neighbors and beyond. The expo’s immersive experience didn’t stop at deals and bookings. Attendees were treated to surprise performances, interactive booths, and travel essentials pop-ups from global retail brands. According to GTBA, these value-added experiences are designed to encourage Filipinos to see travel as more than just a luxury, but as an integral lifestyle choice that supports livelihoods and boosts the economy. “Events like TSE are not only about promoting destinations, but also about creating jobs and strengthening the entire tourism value chain. We are proud to provide a platform that uplifts both the industry and the traveling public,” said Taylan.
Since its debut in 2023, the Travel Sale Expo has experienced significant growth. This year’s installment surpassed expectations, further establishing the event as a cornerstone in the Philippines’ tourism calendar. With its continued success, GTBA-Oneklik and its partners promise an even bigger celebration in 2026, as the Travel Sale Expo continues to unlock opportunities for Filipinos to explore the world — one affordable trip at a time. The opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests including DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, DTI Director Mr. Aleem Guiapal, DFA Assistant Secretary Rhenita B. Rodriguez, Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Senator of Guam Hon. Shelley Calvo, along with members of the diplomatic corps such as Indonesia Ambassador H.E. Agus Widjojo, India Ambassador H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, Vietnam Ambassador H.E. Lai Thai Binh, Cambodia Ambassador H.E. Sin Saream, Israel Ambassador Dana Kursh and Taiwan Ambassador Representative Wallace Minn Gan Chow, and other distinguished guests and VIPs from the government and private sector along with key sponsors Metrobank, Gcash, San Augustine, and Mixcaricature also with airline partners Airasia Philippines and United Airlines and media partners Daily Tribune, Manila Times, Daily Chronicles, Malaya Business Insight and Manila Standard.
