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Key representatives from Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan came together during the contract signing that formalized Eastern as the resort’s official internet and ICT service provider. In photo are Anthony Co, Head of Sales – Regional Operations Group, Eastern Communications; Edsel Paglinawan, Chief Revenue & Innovation Officer, Eastern Communications; Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator, Eastern Communications; Jaeson Evangelista, Co-Coordinator, Eastern Communications;Dave Junker, General Manager, Shangri-La Mactan; and Lourdes Dagat, Financial Controller, Shangri-La Mactan

Eastern Communications and Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu have officially sealed a strategic partnership through a formal contract signing, appointing Eastern as the resort’s exclusive provider of internet and ICT services. This alliance represents a major step forward in enhancing the digital backbone of one of Cebu’s most renowned island resorts, highlighting how exceptional hospitality today relies on equally robust digital connectivity.

Starting January 2026, Eastern Communications will deliver 1000 Mbps of its Internet Direct Service (IDS) to Shangri-La Mactan, powering both guest digital experiences and internal resort operations. Tailored for large enterprises, Eastern IDS offers a premium dedicated connection with a 1:1 contention ratio, ensuring dependable, stable, and high-performance internet access—even during peak demand.

In the hospitality sector, especially in regional and island destinations, dependable high-speed internet is a necessity in daily operations. From seamless guest check-ins and uninterrupted in-room connectivity to operational systems that support service excellence, safety, and efficiency, connectivity plays a central role in shaping the modern resort experience. Through this partnership, Shangri-La Mactan enhances its ability to deliver a smooth, digitally enabled stay that meets the expectations of today’s always-connected travelers. According to the Department of Tourism (DoT), Cebu is listed among the top travel destinations in the country and its capital city drew in 102,124 visitors during the holiday break. This surge was just ahead of Lapu-Lapu City hosting the 45^th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum this January.

“Providing an exceptional guest experience means ensuring that connectivity is effortless and reliable throughout the resort,” said Dave Junker, General Manager of Shangri-La Mactan. “By working with Eastern Communications, we are strengthening our digital capabilities in a way that supports both our guests and our teams, allowing us to consistently deliver the exceptional service Shangri-La is known for.”

The collaboration reinforces Eastern Communications’ position as a trusted connectivity partner for enterprises that require robust infrastructure and dependable, personalized support. Bringing enterprise-grade connectivity to a premier island resort demonstrates the telco provider’s commitment to enabling businesses to operate at their best—regardless of location.

“Connectivity is fundamental to how businesses serve their customers and how guests experience a destination,” said Anthony Co, Head of Sales – Regional Operations Groupof Eastern Communications. “Our partnership with Shangri-La Mactan reflects our commitment to ensure reliable, high-quality internet and digital services to businesses in areas that have high growth potential.”

The partnership reflects a shared vision of helping organizations reach beyond boundaries. As businesses across the country continue to evolve, Eastern Communications remains committed to empowering its partners to move forward with confidence and to dare to soar by building on strong digital foundations supported by responsive, human-centered service.

As Eastern Communications grows throughout the Philippines, its collaboration with Shangri-La Mactan demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier businesses with cutting-edge connectivity solutions, demonstrating that digital excellence can flourish even in island locations.

Call 5300-7000 or visit www.eastern.com.ph to find out more about Eastern Communications and their future collaborations.

For many Filipino families, huge dreams like a bigger automobile or a new home are typically accompanied by a lot of hesitation. These milestones patiently wait in the “someday” box due to financial uncertainty and hesitancy because it feels difficult to take the initial step.

Metrobank fills this gap by reintroducing the Goals Made Real promotion from February 16 to May 29, 2026, which gives families affordable, value-driven house and auto loan options so they may move forward with confidence.

If you put off saving for a house for ten years, your family would be without the security and stability they may already have. Putting up with lengthy, taxing journeys means forfeiting time and energy that could be used at home. Loans provide breathing room when handled properly; they don’t increase tension.

That’s where Metrobank steps in. It takes on the heavy lifting so families can confidently move from “someday” to “now.” If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally secure that home or get that car, this is it.

With Goals Made Real, borrowers who apply under this promo can enjoy:

• Low Interest Rates to keep monthly payments predictable and easier to manage.
• Waived Fees that will givesavings of up to PHP 60,000, which means you have extra funds for other related expenses such as home appliances or accessorizing your new car.
• Free One Year Car Insurance from AXA for car loan borrowers. This gives you peace of mind from day one.

Whether it’s a car loan or a home loan, the goal remains the same: to give you and your family the stability and comfort you deserve without letting “what ifs” hold you back.

You can take your loved ones on road excursions and travel anywhere in luxury and safety with a new car. You may create a secure environment where you and your family can work, play, and develop together with a new house.

Large dreams don’t have to wait. You and your family are always one step closer to the next milestone when Metrobank is your partner and cherishes your hard-earned money just as much as you do.

Are you prepared to begin? For complete information on Goals Made Real 2026, visit any Metrobank location or visit this page.

Kat Bautista

Kat Bautista, COO and Founder of NYMA Management, has been appointed a judge for the 13th Annual Asia‑Pacific Stevie Awards. Bautista will join a panel evaluating entries across marketing, communications, innovation, and leadership categories for the region’s premier business awards.

Her selection reflects a proven track record in brand transformation and measurable campaign results across Asia‑Pacific markets. A two‑time Stevie winner, she was honored in 2025 as Best Female Entrepreneur at the International Business Awards (IBA) in Lisbon, Portugal, and was named a Bronze Stevie® Winner for Most Innovative Leader of the Year at the 2024 Asia‑Pacific Stevie® Awards.

Bautista also served as a judge for the 2026 Webby Awards — widely regarded as the leading international honors for excellence on the internet — bringing additional adjudication experience and a broad perspective on digital creativity, user experience, and strategic communication to the Stevie jury.

“I’m honored to join the Asia‑Pacific Stevie Awards jury,” Bautista said. “Judging is a responsibility I take seriously — it’s about recognizing craft and strategy that move industries, uplift communities, and deliver measurable results. I look forward to celebrating work that pairs creative ambition with clear business impact.”

The Awards celebration ceremony is set to take place on April 17, 2026 — The Venetian Hotel, Macau

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To learn more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph

L-R): Atty. Calvin Kohchet-Chua, Pru Life UK Chief Legal and Government Relations Officer; Kathryn Cajucom, Pru Life UK Head of Brand and Integrated Marketing Communications; Sarah Hulton OBE, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines; Sanjay Chakrabarty, Pru Life UK President and CEO; Sarah McLeod, British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) Chair; Zoe Tamano Alonto Lucman-Mambuay, Pru Life UK Takaful Agent Ambassador; and Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK VP Sustainability and Takaful Head

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) saw the triumphant return of the Great British Festival, which attracted large audiences to the BGC Amphitheatre for a lively celebration of British talent, cuisine, and culture. The nation’s top life insurance, Pru Life UK, once again served as a major sponsor of the much awaited event.

The Great British Festival 2026, which was organized by the British Embassy Manila, the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), and the British Council, included a packed schedule of events, programs, and performances. These included live band performances, pub quizzes, food and drink, brand booths, raffles, and educational talks and video screenings about studying and travelling in the UK.

The two-day event brought together leaders, innovators, and members of the diplomatic community, with His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE and BCCP Chairman Sarah McLeod leading the opening programme.

“At Pru Life UK, we take great pride in our British heritage, and we are delighted to once again support the Great British Festival 2026. We have proudly sponsored this event for years reflecting our strong commitment to the British Embassy and the BCCP, our trusted and long-standing partners, as we continue working together to strengthen the ties between the UK and the Philippines,” said Sanjay Chakrabarty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pru Life UK.

As one of the event’s major sponsors, Pru Life UK hosted an immersive booth that relives Prudential’s rich history. This included a themed photo wall featuring a backdrop of the iconic Holborn Bars, as well as a feature wall that guided visitors through Pru Life UK’s journey, from its beginnings in the UK to its milestone 30th anniversary this year. Exclusive bookmarks were also given to participants as souvenirs, each beautifully inscribed with their name in calligraphy.

The Great British Festival 2026 welcomed a wide audience and once again served as an accessible platform for celebrating British culture while reinforcing cultural and business ties between the UK and the Philippines.

Financial protection for all

Through a featured talk at the event, Pru Life UK reaffirmed its commitment to championing financial inclusion and delivering financial protection plans that empower Filipinos to achieve security, stability, and hope for the future, regardless of faith, personal circumstance, or economic standing.

Through Takaful by Pru Life UK, the first Shariah-compliant life protection product in the Philippines, the company has addressed a significant gap in the insurance landscape, ensuring that Filipino Muslims and values driven individuals have access to insurance without compromising their beliefs.

Takaful Agent Ambassador

“In our country, millions of families remain vulnerable to unexpected life events such as illness, accidents, or the loss of a loved one. For many, the absence of financial protection can mean falling into poverty overnight. For communities that require financial solutions aligned with Islamic principles, this gap has been even wider,” said Zoe Tamano Alonto Lucman Mambuay, Pru Life UK’s pioneering Takaful Agent Ambassador.

“Takaful is not merely a product. It is a statement of values. It shows that financial services must evolve with society, that respect for faith and culture is not a limitation but a strength, and that business success and social responsibility can move forward together,” she added.

Pru Life UK has shown its commitment to promoting accessible finance and responsible business practices by introducing Takaful. Filipinos can rely on PRU for financial protection plans that are moral, inclusive, and transformative because it was the first insurer in the country to obtain a Takaful license.

Notes:

*New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) – premium for a new policy paid in a year 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. checks partners’ booths during the previous SM Job Fair in December 2025, engaging with employers and jobseekers and underscoring the shared commitment to making employment more accessible for Filipinos.

SM Supermalls hosts its February SM Job Fairs all across the country, giving job-hunting Filipinos access to community possibilities through easily accessible employment channels that expedite and simplify the application process. The monthly #SMJobFair series, which is held in SM malls, links employers from manufacturing, logistics, retail, services, and other important areas with job seekers.

Hundreds of jobseekers gather at SM City Cabanatuan as SM Supermalls holds a job fair in celebration of the Banatu Festival, marking the city’s 76th founding anniversary and turning local festivities into real employment opportunities.

Just got hired! A job seeker beams with pride after landing a new job during the Job Fair at SM City Cabanatuan.

In celebration of the Banatu Festival, celebrating the 76th founding anniversary of Cabanatuan City, SM Supermalls kicked off February with a highly successful job fair at SM City Cabanatuan, demonstrating how career opportunities can be meaningfully woven into local festivities. Held last February 3, the job fair brought together 32 employers and a thousand jobseekers, with 90 applicants hired on the spot— underscoring the impact of aligning employment initiatives with community celebrations. By integrating career opportunities into high-traffic events such as local holidays and festivals, SM Supermalls enhances the malling experience by offering purposeful activities that customers can conveniently engage with in their most-loved SM destinations. Beyond serving as venues for celebration, SM malls evolve into community platforms that create pathways to livelihood, growth, and long-term opportunity for Filipinos nationwide.

Flagship SM Group Job Fair set for February 26 at SM North EDSA

Culminating the month’s activities is the highly anticipated SM Group Job Fair led by SM Retail on February 26 at SM City North EDSA—one of the strongest and most soughtafter hiring events in the SM Job Fair calendar. Employers from across the SM Group—including retail, real estate, food, logistics, and banking—will be offering a wide range of opportunities, reinforcing why so many Filipinos aspire to join the SM family.

As the largest retail chain in the Philippines, SM Retail continues to champion a workplace where people truly belong, thrive, and grow. Job seekers can look forward to purposeful challenges, meaningful career opportunities, and a culture where efforts are recognized and celebrated—making it #SoMuchFun to build a career at SM Retail. Because at SM Retail, we’ve got it all for you—#OnlyAtSMRetail.

From resumes to real conversations, applicants engage directly with employers during on-the-spot interviews.

Resumes ready, confidence on point—jobseekers take their next big step forward.

One-Stop Job Application Made Easy

SM Job Fairs go beyond job matching by offering on-site government services, allowing applicants to complete key employment requirements in one location. Participating agencies typically include the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Social Security System, and PhilHealth, among others— saving jobseekers time, cost, and multiple trips.

Government agencies on-site help jobseekers complete essential employment requirements in one convenient stop.

Successful hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) applicants proudly pose after securing jobs at the SM Job Fair, highlighting how SM Supermalls continues to create real, immediate employment opportunities for Filipinos nationwide.

February SM Job Fair Schedule

• February 12 – SM City Taytay
• February 13 – SM City Trece Martires
• February 16 – SM City Olongapo Central
• February 20 – SM City Legazpi
• February 25 – SM City Davao
• February 26 – SM City North EDSA
• February 27 – SM Center Muntinlupa
• February 27 – SM City Trece Martires
• February 28 – SM Seaside City Cebu

A day filled with hope, handshakes, and hiring.

It is advised that job candidates bring several copies of their resumes, legitimate identification, and go to the closest SM Job Fair today February. Join the cause by following SM Supermalls on social media for updates and mall-specific information. #SMJobFair. MSMEs Are Championed by SM Supermalls—and the Filipino labor force.

GR Machines deployed in SM Malls nationwide set to make recycling easy, fun, and rewarding

SM is transporting your used PET bottles to a location that is better than landfills.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) leverages the countrywide reach of SM Supermalls to make sustainable action simple, accessible, and rewarding for customers at malls worldwide with the recently installed Green Recycling Machines (GR Machines).

“The GR Machines enrich the SM Group’s existing waste management efforts under the SM Green Movement,” said SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan. “Through the deployment of these machines, we hope to collaborate with our customers in caring for the environment by helping recycle PET bottles whenever they enter their most loved SM Supermalls.”

Each GR Machine can be operated with ease by any user and can accept PET bottles up to two liters. Together, the GR Machines nationwide can collectively hold up to 5,000 bottles in one collection cycle which are compressed in-machine. The compressed PET blocks are then collected and given a second life by SM’s hauling partner Sentinel which transforms the blocks into reusable items such as food trays.

Little makes much: Preserving the environment one diverted bottle at a time

According to the World Bank, the Philippines leaks more than 300 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea annually—equivalent to around 9 percent of its improperly handled plastic waste. The Philippines was also noted as one of East Asia and the Pacific region’s top contributors to ocean plastic pollution.

Recognizing that sustainability and protecting the environment is beyond the effort of one entity, SM has leveraged its presence nationwide through its properties to engage its customers and surrounding communities in maximizing the collection of recyclables especially plastics. Through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM empowers communities to adopting sustainable practices through simple and accessible ways to take part in protecting the environment. Arresting the growing issue on pollution, the SM Group has enhanced waste segregation efforts to increase its collection and diversion of plastics from the environment since 2007 with its pioneer program, the Trash to Cash recycling market.

SM Group’s Trash to Cash initiative was organized by SM Cares as the pilot community program that encouraged customers to segregate recyclables like metal, paper, and plastic and exchange these for cash on a monthly basis. SM Supermalls also followed up this effort with the launch of two Reverse Vending Machines in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall which empowered customers to segregate aluminum cans and empty PETs in exchange for discounts on sports and leisure attractions. On top of these, SM also hosts nationwide coastal clean-up drives annually through the strength and effort of its workforce volunteers.

With the latest in mobile recycling technology, SM’s GR Machines encourage customers to turn good intentions into daily environmentally-conscious actions in three easy steps:

1. Feed any PET bottle up to 2 liters into the machine
2. Confirm your deposit by pressing the prompt on the screen
3. Await your reward

“This is just a glimpse into how SM aims to enrich the Circular Economy through the elevated role we play in integrating seamless waste management efforts, all for Filipinos. We are hopeful that with the addition of the SM GR Machines, our continued partnership with our customers in protecting the environment yields a more sustainable future” said Tan.

SM North EDSA, SM City San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM The Podium, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, S’Maison, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang are among the malls where customers can begin placing their plastic bottles in SM GR Machines.

MSMEs are getting their well-earned main stage moment in February, and SM Supermalls is ready for it. Through market access, mentorship, and purpose-driven platforms that support businesses’ confident growth, SM Supermalls continues to open doors for Filipino entrepreneurs in collaboration with its longstanding strategic partners, the Department of Trade and Industry, Philstar Media Group, and Go Negosyo.

The goal of these alliances, which have been developed over many years of collaboration, is to enable MSMEs to grow sustainably, compete effectively, and prosper in a changing economy. This February, a number of significant projects taking place throughout SM malls bring that shared commitment to life.

Go Negosyo brings 3M on Wheels mentorship to SM Megamall this February

Entrepreneurs and MSME owners gain valuable one-on-one insights from industry mentors during Go Negosyo’s 3M on Wheels, receiving free, practical guidance on branding, finance, and scaling their businesses. Held in partnership with SM Supermalls, the program brings accessible mentorship closer to entrepreneurs—reinforcing a shared commitment to capacity-building, inclusive growth, and long-term business sustainability

Strengthening its shared advocacy with SM Supermalls, Go Negosyo rolls out its 3M on Wheels mentorship program this February 25 at SM Megamall, offering MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs free, one-on-one coaching sessions with industry mentors.

Designed as a quick-stop mentoring platform, the program delivers practical guidance in areas like product development, branding, finance, scaling strategies, and digital transformation. Entrepreneurs from industries including food, retail, creative services, agriculture, and technology gain direct access to insights that can sharpen their competitive edge.

This initiative reflects SM Supermalls’ ongoing commitment, alongside Go Negosyo, to make mentorship accessible — ensuring MSMEs get the right advice at the right time to move their businesses forward.

DTI National Trade Fair celebrates sustainability and Filipino innovation

From February 18–22, the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall host the DTI-Bagong Pilipinas National Trade Fair — a signature platform championing sustainability, creativity, and Filipino craftsmanship.

A cornerstone partnership between SM Supermalls and the Department of Trade and Industry, the event highlights eco-conscious, design-forward products that reflect the country’s growing leadership in sustainable innovation. Featured items include furniture, fashion, textiles, and handicrafts made from coconut materials, engineered bamboo, natural fibers, plant-based dyes, and native grasses sourced nationwide.

SM Supermalls and the Department of Trade and Industry champion indigenous tribes whose intricately handcrafted furniture, bags, accessories, and apparel showcase proudly Filipino heritage and creativity—reflecting the growing community support for MSMEs.

Beyond the exhibits, visitors can enjoy workshops, live product demonstrations, and cultural showcases that celebrate Filipino heritage while spotlighting future-ready design. For MSMEs, the trade fair provides a vital gateway to buyers, collaborators, and wider market exposure.

Sustainability meets creativity as locally made furniture, fashion, and handicrafts demonstrate the evolving strength of Filipino enterprises.

Philstar NakakaLocal Bazaar heads to Baguio with proudly Filipino finds

Celebrating local pride and entrepreneurship, Philstar Media Group brings the NakakaLocal Bazaar to SM City Baguio from February 27 to March 1, offering shoppers a curated mix of homegrown brands in food, fashion, crafts, and lifestyle.A long time collaborator of SM Supermalls in advocating for MSME visibility, Philstar Media Group continues to build platforms that connect entrepreneurs with wider audiences while strengthening the “love local, grow global” movement.

Philstar Media Group’s NakakaLocal Bazaar at SM Seaside City Cebu—with the celebration of proudly Filipino MSMEs continuing next at SM City Baguio from February 27 to March 1.

Following its successful regional runs, the bazaar reinforces how partnerships among media, retail spaces, and business communities can amplify opportunities for small businesses ready to expand their reach.

Through enduring partnerships with DTI, Philstar Media Group, and Go Negosyo, SM Supermalls continues to create meaningful ecosystems where MSMEs gain mentorship, exposure, and access to growth opportunities.

Every booth tells a story of passion, perseverance, and proudly Filipino innovation.

The projects for February are a reflection of a common belief that when groups come together to assist entrepreneurs, they create more than simply enterprises; they also create more resilient economies and stronger communities. Filipino MSMEs aren’t merely taking part in the business of the future, let’s face it. They are molding it.