 |
| (Image Source: Business Mirror/LBC Express Inc.) |
For 75 years, LBC Express has carried more than parcels. It has carried the stories of love, sacrifice, and connection that define the Filipino spirit. From its beginnings in 1950 to becoming the most trusted name in logistics, LBC continues to bridge homes, hearts, and generations across the world. The company marked its 75th anniversary with a Thanksgiving Mass held at the LBC Central Exchange in Sucat, Parañaque, bringing together employees, partners, and leaders from across the organization. The gathering celebrated not only the company’s longevity, but also the values and people that have shaped its journey.
In his address, LBC Express Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Enrique V. Rey Jr. reflected on the true meaning of the milestone, sharing, “For 75 years, we haven’t just moved parcels — we’ve moved lives. Behind every transaction, every delivery, and every smile at our counters are the dedicated men and women of LBC. Our theme ‘We Move With You’ perfectly captures what LBC stands for: it’s our story of progress, connection, and purpose.” He added that while LBC’s past is rich in history, its future is full of possibility, and that the company remains committed to moving forward with customers, partners, and communities “towards a future built on service, innovation, and care”. Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer Rene E. Fuentes likewise shared a message of gratitude and renewal, stating, “What we celebrate today is not only longevity — it is a story of purpose, perseverance, and people who can move mountains. Our work is more than business. It’s a mission to connect, uplift, and make lives easier for Filipinos everywhere. Together, we move with purpose, with hope, and with pride as one LBC family.”
The event also marked the premiere of LBC’s 75th Anniversary Hero Video, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Antonette Jadaone. The short film captures the emotional essence of LBC’s legacy, weaving vignettes of families reunited through balikbayan boxes, entrepreneurs shipping dreams across borders, and communities strengthened through connection. Through its heartfelt storytelling, the film reminds viewers that movement is not only about parcels and logistics. It’s also about progress, purpose, and people. It reflects how, for generations, LBC has carried more than cargo; it has carried the nation’s stories. As LBC looks ahead to its next chapters, it remains steadfast in its purpose: to continue moving with Filipinos, wherever life takes them.
* * * *
Puregold Doubles Down On Grassroots Retail, Reaffirms Sari-Sari Store Advocacy
 |
| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
Sari-sari stores serve as trusted community institutions across the Philippines. These bridge access gaps in underserved areas, offer small-volume purchasing for budget-conscious households, and often extend credit based on long-standing neighborhood relationships. Their presence sustains hyperlocal economies and forms a vital foundation of the country’s retail ecosystem. As one of the country’s leading retailers, Puregold has long recognized that the strength of this micro-retail sector is closely tied to the strength of the broader retail landscape. The company’s extensive network of sari-sari store partners has been a major contributor to its growth and nationwide reach.
This understanding is at the core of an initiative championed by Puregold Price Club Inc. President Vincent Co. The Sari-Sari Stories series reflects his advocacy to empower local entrepreneurs who keep grassroots commerce thriving across the country. The project trains the spotlight on the people running these neighborhood staples and recognizes their central role in both community life and national economic activity. “Puregold’s continued success reflects the unrelenting hard work of our sari-sari store members. With Sari-Sari Store Stories, we aim to celebrate them not only as business collaborators, but also as proud Filipino icons. Puregold remains committed to ensuring that the humble tindahan continues to thrive and remains a meaningful part of every community,” says Vincent.
The company’s strong performance in the third quarter highlights the strategic importance of these partnerships. Long-time sari-sari store owners and neighborhood retailers remain a core driver of Puregold’s sustained growth, relying on the company as a trusted supplier and business ally. Through the series, Puregold honors these establishments while also reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth and community-centered development. The initiative aims to elevate awareness of the critical role sari-sari stores play in sustaining local economies and supporting grassroots commerce.
* * * *
Buo Ang Saya Ng Pasko: Jollibee Reminds Us What Makes Christmas Truly Complete
 |
| (Image Source: Starmometer/Jollibee) |
This Christmas, Jollibee takes a more heartfelt turn — focusing on what makes the season meaningful: FAMILY. In a time when life feels busier, distances grow longer, challenges arise, and many Filipinos find themselves away from home, Jollibee’s newest holiday campaign “Buo Ang Saya Ng Pasko” uplifts our spirits and reminds us that true joy is found in togetherness with family — however it’s formed: by blood, by bond, or by choice.
Through a series of touching vignettes in its new Christmas film, Jollibee captures how both typical families and different versions of Filipino families now come together — a nurse celebrating a night shift with hospital staff, a security guard sharing laughs with fellow workers, a couple treating their beloved pets like family, a single mother and her daughters finding joy in a simple Jollibee meal, and a large family celebrating Christmas reunions across generations. “What makes Filipino Christmases so special is the love we share and the joy we bring to one another. Family has always been at the heart of every Filipino Christmas, but we also know that times have changed. By embracing the many ways we now define family, we hope to rekindle in everyone the true meaning of joy this season — that Christmas is complete not when everything is perfect or traditional, but because no matter where we are or who we celebrate with, as long as we’re together and there’s Jollibee on the table, Buo Ang Saya Ng Pasko,” says Jollibee Philippines Vice President and Head of Marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching.
Each story mirrors real-life moments of warmth and connection that make Christmas feel whole again. Accompanied with an original soundtrack, Jollibee’s new heartwarming film reminds us that even as the faces around the table change, as long as the family is together — Buo ang saya ng Pasko. So, this Christmas, Jollibee invites you all to share the joy of togetherness with your family. As the film beautifully states, “Tunay ang ligaya basta’t tayo’y magkasama. Dito, sarap ang pinagsasaluhan. Buo ang saya ng Pasko.” Catch the “Buo Ang Saya Ng Pasko” Christmas film on Jollibee's official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
* * * *
Christmas Glows In Araneta City With Symbolic Giant Christmas Tree
 |
| (Image Source: Araneta City) |
Araneta City ushered in the holiday season with the lighting of its iconic giant Christmas tree last November 6, 2025 which kicked off its 2025 celebration with the theme “Christmas Glows In The City: Built By Memories, Lit By Hope”. The tree, standing between the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Fiesta Carnival, is decorated in red and gold with 3,000 pine garlands, 8,000 lights, and colorful ornaments. It has long been a centerpiece of the city’s festive celebrations since it was first lit near the Big Dome entrance in 1981. After moving locations over the years, the tree returned to its original spot in 2024.
The lighting ceremony featured performances and appearances by Vice Ganda, Joshua Garcia, Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition Big Winners Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo with Bianca De Vera and Klarisse de Guzman, P-Pop group BGYO, and “Tawag Ng Tanghalan” alumni Ian Manibale, Miah, and Bryan Chong. Quezon City and Barangay Socorro officials, Araneta Group executives, select residents and tenants, and the reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens also attended with Alexa Ilacad and Jeremy G hosting the event. The evening also launched Araneta City’s “Dashing Through The Glow” car raffle promo. Customers receive a raffle entry for a Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM 2025 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle SUV with every Php1,500 single-receipt purchase from participating establishments. The promo runs until February 1, 2026.
Araneta City Vice President of Marketing Marjorie Go said the event is meant to bring hope and joy, stating, “At Araneta City, we want to offer a place where people can reconnect with joyful memories and look forward to brighter days ahead.” Other attractions across the city include the Parolan bazaar near Farmers Garden which opened in October, Christmas trees in malls and office towers, and the giant Belen beside Farmers Plaza which was illuminated last November 14.
* * * *
World Bazaar Festival Marks 25 Years Of Joy, Giving, And Filipino Christmas Spirit
 |
| (Image Source: Blogapalooza/Worldbex Services International) |
Every Christmas season, there is a familiar warmth that fills the air. The glow of parols, the sound of carols, and the joy of coming together. For twenty-five years, one event has captured that spirit and turned it into a beloved Filipino tradition: the World Bazaar Festival. This 2025, the World Bazaar Festival celebrates its Silver Anniversary, marking twenty-five years of turning shopping into sharing and gatherings into lasting memories.
What began in 2001 as a humble holiday bazaar has grown into the country’s biggest, grandest and longest running Christmas charity event. Each year, it brings families, friends, and communities together under one roof at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Through the years, it has become more than just a destination. It has become a part of how Filipinos celebrate the season. On December 12-21, 2025, the World Bazaar Festival will once again open its doors to hundreds of local entrepreneurs, global brands, and creative artisans. Visitors can explore a wide selection of heartfelt handmade gifts, festive décor, and culinary delights. Every corner will be filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors that make Christmas in the Philippines truly special. But beyond the sparkle and the shopping, the festival has always been about something deeper: the joy of giving. Organized by Worldbex Services International for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation, the event continues to uphold its mission of “Shop And Share”. Every visit and every purchase helps support charitable programs across the country. This year’s Silver Anniversary Edition will be a nostalgic celebration filled with exhibits, live performances, and interactive installations that honor the people and stories that shaped the World Bazaar Festival through the years. Visitors can relive the magic of their first bazaar visit or create new memories with loved ones while being part of a cause that continues to make an impact.
For twenty-five years, the World Bazaar Festival has been more than just a shopping event. It has been a celebration of Filipino generosity, creativity, and connection. It is where laughter fills the halls, where gifts carry meaning, and where the spirit of Christmas feels most alive. The 25th World Bazaar Festival opens daily on December 21-25, 2025 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. To secure your tickets and learn more, visit www.worldbazaarfestival.com or follow @WorldBazaarFestival on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
* * * *
Smarter Public Service: PLDT, Smart Help Bicol LGUs Level Up With AI Tools
 |
| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Local government unit (LGU) workers in the Bicol region are keeping abreast with opportunities in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to improve and secure delivery of public service, especially since they serve communities extremely vulnerable to typhoons and other natural disasters. In a recent workshop organized by PLDT and Smart as part of their drive to support LGUs in their digital transformation, almost 50 LGU representatives from across Bicol learned how AI tools can help them manage repetitive inquiries, improve operational efficiency, and deliver more responsive public service. These Bicol LGUs were identified by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) as partners in establishing and operating their own electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), a key component of the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the country.
The initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s AI-In-A-Box program designed to equip organizations, including LGUs, with essential AI skills. The AI workshop complements the PLDT Group’s desktop and laptop computer donation last year to ARTA, supporting LGUs in meeting the eBOSS requirements and fully automating business registration and renewal processes. According to PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Management Stephanie V. Orlino, “Our goal is to build the confidence of LGUs in using AI tools for more efficient and responsive public service, especially in enabling entrepreneurship and keeping services running during disruptions. When LGUs embrace these technologies, communities become more empowered, more engaged, and receive better service when it matters most.” Gemma Domalaon-Ferrer, Municipal Treasurer of Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon, shared her perspective, stating, “As a frontline office, we often respond to a high volume of repetitive inquiries. The session helped us realize that we can advocate for a Facebook chatbot to handle frequently asked questions, allowing our team to focus on core responsibilities such as managing the municipality’s finances, collecting local taxes, safeguarding government funds, and ensuring proper disbursement.”
Rocky Phillip Romero of the Human Resources Department of San Jacinto, Masbate also highlighted AI’s potential, stating, “AI can support our HR operations by helping monitor and process frequently asked questions and routine tasks from municipal employees and job applicants — regardless of where they are in the Philippines.” James Saludo Flores from the LGU of Polangui, Albay emphasized how chatbot technology can improve accessibility for constituents, stating, “Instead of traveling to the Municipal Hall, residents can use a chatbot to access information on requirements, permits, document follow-ups, and government fees. AI helps us respond faster and serve better.” PLDT and Smart’s efforts to strengthen LGU capabilities through AI align with the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to advancing the Government’s digitalization agenda and enhancing public service delivery nationwide.
