PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), the international arm of PLDT Inc., continues to strengthen its strategic initiatives to enhance digital services for Filipino communities and enterprises in the Middle East. This expansion aims to provide seamless connectivity, financial solutions, and digital empowerment to overseas Filipino workers and businesses in the region. According to the latest data from the Department of Migrant Workers, there are over a million land based overseas Filipino workers deployed in the Middle East in 2024. This expansion underscores PLDT Global’s commitment to serving this vital segment of Filipinos living and working abroad, and supporting the government-to-government…
Author: Team Orange
UAE-based Prime Group, a globally recognized leader in quality assurance, compliance, and certification in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, honored Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. with two excellence awards at the Stakeholders Recognition Day & Gala Night held in Al Habtoor Palace Hotel in Dubai last February 19, 2025. Goldilocks received the prestigious “Sustaining Halal Champion Excellence Award” for demonstrating consistent and exceptional commitment to upholding and promoting Halal standards. This reflects the Filipino brand’s dedication to quality and compliance with Halal principles, including Islamic dietary and ethical guidelines. In addition, Goldilocks was recognized for “Product & System Excellence Award”,…
Inefficiencies of electric cooperatives in tourism hubs have led to financial losses and closure of some businesses, as establishments struggle due to unreliable power supply, frequent outages, and poor service response. Focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted by the energy consumer group ILAW with business owners, particularly in the hospitality and food industries, in key tourism areas—Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), Siargao Island, Cebu, and Puerto Galera—revealed widespread dissatisfaction with their electric cooperatives. The FGDs were also carried out to determine and assess the energy challenges affecting the said areas, in order to provide data-driven recommendations for local and national…
Transparency remains the name of the game at inDrive as the global ride-hailing platform held an open forum with its partner drivers to discuss how to enhance the app and create a more rewarding experience for all stakeholders. Dozens of drivers gathered at the inDrive’s Philippine headquarters in Quezon City to suggest ways to improve its surge mechanism during rush hour, contingency plans during emergencies, in-app features, and more. inDrive’s APAC Regional Director Mark Tolley, Business Development Head Sofia Guinto, Driver Operations Head for the Philippines Vanessa Taqueban, and Country Government Relations Manager John Louie Balagot were present to listen…
With temperatures soaring and electricity costs rising, staying cool and comfortable this summer has become both a necessity and a challenge for many Filipino households. According to PAGASA, the northeast monsoon (amihan) is coming to an end, bringing even hotter days ahead. In fact, as early as March 3, some areas have already recorded heat indexes reaching 49 degrees Celsius, prompting local governments to suspend face-to-face classes due to the extreme heat. As temperatures are expected to continue to climb, so does the demand for energy-efficient cooling appliances. However, the rising cost of electricity and the high upfront prices of…
Summer has not yet officially set in, but we can already feel temperatures soaring! Oftentimes, our electricity and water bills go up, too. Keeping cool and staying hydrated are non-negotiable, but they don’t have to come with sky-high costs. CIMB Bank Philippines, recently hailed as the Best Digital Bank in the country by The Asian Banker, shares tips on a few smart adjustments you can do so you can enjoy your ‘hirit sa tag-init’ without breaking the bank. Cool smarter, not harder To make your room feel chillier without raising the aircon thermostat, consider using fans simultaneously. They use far…
A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex in Materialists. The film is directed by Celine Song, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay for her directorial debut, Past Lives. About Materialists: Materialists is written and directed by Celine Song, and produced by David Hinojosa, Christine Vachon, Pamela Koffler, Celine Song. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADzDIFvhifE&authuser=0
The irresistible aroma of freshly baked dough, the rich tang of slow-simmered tomato sauce, and the creamy indulgence of delicate milky mozzarella–all coming together in perfect harmony. This is the unmistakable experience of Rossopomodoro–, the largest pizza chain in Italy, now officially landing in the Philippines, with its first-ever branch in Asia at SM Mall of Asia. As the Home of Firsts, SM Supermalls continues to open new experiences for Filipinos, bringing them closer to world-class dining experiences, and Rossopomodoro is the latest proof of that commitment.
In a dynamic celebration of Filipino entrepreneurship, SM Supermalls proudly unveiled the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) Champions’ Wall, a visual tribute to the resilience, dedication, and excellence of the country’s 17,000 MSMEs. Held at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA), the special event gathered distinguished guests to honor the 2024 Presidential Awardees for MSMEs, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the nation’s business landscape. A symbol of innovation and perseverance The MSME Champions’ Wall stands as a symbol of innovation and perseverance, embodying the journey of Filipino entrepreneurs who continue to thrive despite challenges. Designed as a fusion of…
Access to clean and potable water is one of today’s most pressing challenges, with rapid urbanization and population growth straining freshwater resources. United Nations (UN)-Water emphasizes that effective water management is crucial for society and the environment. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), a leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia, has prioritized water conservation and management since the early 1990s—long before water stress and its link to climate change became widely recognized. Through Water for Tomorrow, SM Prime’s water stewardship campaign, the company actively integrates climate resilience into its developments, ensuring responsible resource management while supporting the well-being of…
Manila’s food scene is about to get a major upgrade. Global dining sensation Burger & Lobster is finally making its Philippine debut at SM, the #HomeofFirsts, bringing its world-famous wild-caught lobsters and prime cut burgers to Manila’s most discerning foodies, ready to redefine casual dining with a premium feel in the country. The London-based sensation started and found its success by focusing on two ingredients—perfecting them with precision and passion. By mastering the art of crafting exceptional burgers and cooking wild-caught lobsters to perfection, Burger & Lobster became a dining institution, drawing in food lovers from New York to Dubai,…