Travel

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• New services to Nacala, Mozambique (three times weekly from 27 October 2026) and Port Harcourt, Nigeria (four times weekly from 1 December 2026)
• Daily services to Durban, South Africa resume on 11 December 2026

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline group, is expanding its passenger services with the launch of new scheduled flights to Nacala, Mozambique, and Port Harcourt, Nigeria, while also bringing back its daily flights to Durban, South Africa.

The three routes are set to roll out between October 27 and December 11, 2026, giving travelers from Singapore and Southeast Asia more options for flying to Africa through the airline’s main hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

These new routes come as trade between Southeast Asia and Africa gathers pace, with Singapore, one of the region’s leading trade and logistics hub, at the forefront.

The Nacala service will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, routed via Blantyre, Malawi. The Port Harcourt service will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while Durban will be served daily. The resumed Durban service, linking one of Africa’s busiest ports to Singapore via Addis Ababa, is well placed to support the growing flow of business travel between the two markets.

The expansion follows a record-breaking year for Ethiopian Airlines. During the 2025/26 fiscal year, the airline group’s revenue rose 20 per cent to US$9.1 billion, passenger numbers grew 10 per cent to 20.7 million and cargo volumes rose 16 per cent to 897,000 tonnes. Cargo operations also recorded a 16 per cent increase, handling 897,000 tonnes. Its international network expanded to more than 145 destinations, including the addition of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, further boosting its reach across Southeast Asia.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates five weekly flights between Singapore Changi Airport and Addis Ababa, offering convenient connections to the three newly introduced destinations. Passengers can book tickets through the airline’s official website, mobile app, or authorised travel agents.

Flight Schedules 

Nacala, Mozambique – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 27 October 2026

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 1 December 2026

Durban, South Africa – Daily, from 11 December 2026

For more information, visit our website at www.ethiopianairlines.com, email us at [email protected], or call us at (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907.

Ahead of the holiday travel season, 2GO Travel highlights the preparations behind every voyage, reinforcing its commitment as a reliable travel partner for safe and comfortable journeys. At 2GO Travel, every voyage begins with a continuous commitment to safety.

From training crew members and inspecting safety equipment to assessing vessel readiness and securing the necessary clearances, a series of measures takes place behind the scenes before every ship departs.

Through Before We Sail, 2GO Travel highlights five key practices that help support safe and dependable journeys for travelers across its passenger network.

1. Building readiness through regular crew drills

Safety begins with a well-prepared crew. Regular drills give 2GO personnel opportunities to practice emergency response procedures, strengthen coordination, and reinforce their individual responsibilities onboard.

These exercises help foster a culture where safety is a shared responsibility, and readiness remains a priority every day.

2. Inspecting safety facilities and equipment

Alongside crew preparedness, 2GO routinely inspects safety facilities and equipment onboard its vessels to help ensure their condition and operational readiness.

These inspections support emergency preparedness and help identify any items requiring attention before a vessel sets sail.

3. Conducting vessel checks before every journey

Preparations continue even after a ship completes its voyage. Following arrival and ahead of departure, technical teams carry out routine deck, engine, and bearing inspections to assess the vessel’s condition and readiness for its next trip.

These assessments help keep vessels operating safely and efficiently for passengers and crew alike.

4. Screening baggage and cargo brought onboard

Passenger safety also extends to everything carried aboard the vessel.

As part of standard operating procedures, baggage and cargo undergo screening before loading to help manage potential risks and contribute to a secure onboard environment.

5. Securing the required departure clearances

Before leaving port, 2GO works closely with the Philippine Coast Guard to complete the required inspections and obtain the necessary departure clearances.

A vessel departs only after receiving the required approval, providing an additional layer of oversight before every sailing.

A Shared Commitment to Safe Travel

These five practices form part of 2GO Travel’s ongoing commitment to passenger safety. With 2GO Travel’s strict measures in place, the company works to ensure every voyage begins with safety at the forefront, giving passengers greater confidence every time they sail.

Passengers also play an important role in maintaining a safe onboard environment. Travelers are encouraged to pay attention to safety briefings, familiarize themselves with emergency exits and life jacket locations, and approach crew members for assistance.

As families prepare to reunite and travel home this holiday season, 2GO Travel continues the work behind every journey, preparing its people, maintaining its vessels, and carrying out the measures that help passengers sail with confidence.

For bookings, visit travel.2go.com.ph.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

Aside from transporting people and goods throughout the country, 2GO is also highlighting the wide range of career opportunities in the transportation and logistics sector through its recent participation in the JobStreet Virtual Job Fair.

As the Philippines’ largest integrated transportation and logistics solutions provider, 2GO offers diverse career paths across various business areas, including freight forwarding, warehousing, supply chain management, technology, and corporate services.

Through the event, 2GO highlights the people, capabilities and culture that enable an integrated business to serve communities, support enterprises, and connect markets across the country. “Behind every shipment delivered, every journey completed, and every business we help serve are people whose work keeps the country moving. At 2GO, we are committed to fostering a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and empowered to move the nation forward,” said Edcel Francia, Senior Manager of 2GO HR Recruitment.

The initiative highlights the importance of talent in sustaining the transportation and logistics sector. As businesses depend on efficient supply chains and reliable connectivity to reach markets and customers, professionals across operations, technology, customer service, sales, and other functions play an essential role in keeping goods and services moving.

With approximately 1,800 employees across operational, technical, and corporate functions, 2GO’s workforce reflects the range of various expertise required to support an integrated transportation and logistics network. Roles in cross-docking, warehousing, operations, and vessel management help ensure the efficient movement of goods, while teams in software development, finance, business intelligence, and marketing support business performance and innovation.

The initiative also generated strong engagement among jobseekers interested in the transportation and logistics sector. Recruitment campaign data from JobStreet showed 597 completed applications during the promotional period, a 21% increase from the pre-promotion run rate, while job views rose by 12%.

The need to develop a skilled workforce extends beyond the requirements of individual organizations and reflects broader industry priorities. The World Bank’s 2026 report, Ports, Ships, and Fuels: Maritime Efficiency, Safety, and Sustainability in East Asia and the Pacific identifies maritime transport as a driver of employment and economic growth, emphasizing the need to improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety, and equip workers with the skills needed for a changing industry.

For the Philippines, an archipelagic nation whose communities and businesses rely on maritime connectivity and logistics networks, these priorities underscore the importance of developing skilled professionals across vessel and port operations, supply chain management, and technology.

By raising awareness of the diverse roles that support transportation and logistics, 2GO contributes to broader conversations on workforce development in a sector that plays a vital role in trade, mobility, and economic growth. As the industry continues to evolve, building a skilled and resilient workforce remains essential to keeping communities, businesses, and opportunities connected across the Philippines.

Through initiatives like these, 2GO remains committed to helping Filipinos find meaningful employment while developing the skilled workforce needed to sustain the growth of the country’s transportation, maritime, and logistics industries. Each position plays a part in advancing the company’s goal of keeping the Philippines connected.

Those interested in joining the company can check out available positions on 2GO’s JobStreet employer page or visit its official website at 2GO.com.ph.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

Unveiled during the media launch, the official BÚTLAK video sweeps across Negros—its landscapes, landmarks, fashion, and artistry—bringing the island’s creative spirit to life.

One afternoon at SM Aura was enough to show why generations of shoppers have made the Negros Trade Fair a much-awaited celebration. The Association of Negros Producers (ANP), together with SM Supermalls, officially launched BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair with a preview that brought together the flavors, fashion, craftsmanship, stories, and creative spirit of Negros. From September 22 to 27, 2026, the landmark anniversary edition will bring 178 brands from the Negros Island Region to the SMX Convention Center Aura.

A Journey to Negros—Without Booking a Flight!

One of the media launch’s most evocative moments was the unveiling of the official BÚTLAK video. Taking viewers through the places, flavors, craftsmanship, and stories of Negros, the film offered the kind of visual journey that could make anyone want to book a flight and experience the island for themselves.

But there is no need to pack a suitcase. This September, Negros is coming to Manila for six days of food, fashion, art, homeware, and handcrafted discoveries at SMX Aura.

ANP leaders, partners, and Negrense culinary personalities share a celebratory moment at the BÚTLAK media launch.

ANP President Christina Gaston opened the program, emphasizing the fair’s role in helping creativity become enterprise. “For ANP, MSME development is about giving people the opportunity to discover what they can create, what they can become, and where their creativity can take them. Over 40 years, we have seen small businesses grow into enterprises and local products reach markets once thought beyond their reach,” Gaston said.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and style icon Tessa Prieto celebrate the color, craft, and unmistakable creative spirit of Negros.

Broadcast journalist Ces Drilon serves as host, guiding guests through an afternoon celebrating Negrense creativity, enterprise, and heritage.

This was followed by welcome remarks from SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, who underscored how platforms such as the Negros Trade Fair can connect Filipino culture with greater economic opportunity. “Our role is to help open doors. For us, the Negros Trade Fair is a wonderful example of how culture and enterprise can grow together,” Tan said. Through SM for MSMEs, SM Supermalls continues its collaboration with ANP by connecting homegrown businesses to a high-traffic marketplace, greater visibility, new customers, partners, and growth opportunities. 

A taste of Negros: Guests sample regional flavors and culinary favorites during the media launch—a delicious preview of what awaits at the fair.

That journey continued at the table as guests sampled a taste of what awaits at the fair, with Negrense culinary personalities JJ Yulo, Joel Torre, and Chef JP Anglo sharing the flavors and stories of the province. The tasting offered just a first bite of the experience—from comforting regional favorites and heirloom recipes to fresh interpretations by a new generation of food entrepreneurs.

For Joel Torre—actor, restaurateur, and owner of JT’s Manukan—the pride behind the food is just as important as its flavor. “I’m a proud Negrense. I’m very proud of Negros products,” Torre said.

Chef JP Anglo linked that same pride to the fair’s ability to keep evolving. “Life is always changing; it’s a constant evolution,” Anglo said. “And that’s why the Negros Trade Fair is thriving through the years—it’s because of that chase to perfection and love for craftsmanship.”

Food, fashion, crafts—and 178 brands to discover

That same spirit is carried by a new generation of brands. Stephanie and Cristina Claparols of Lakat Sustainables described the fair as a place where ideas are exchanged and makers support one another: “To us, this really feels like a family gathering, and there’s a lot of new brands to discover, especially coming from the new generation. I think that’s the most exciting part of it.

Food remains one of the fair’s biggest draws. Visitors can look forward to well-loved names such as Bob’s Café, 21 Restaurant, Chicken House, El Ideal, and Virgie’s Homemade Products, alongside newer food concepts, regional specialties, sweet treats, pantry staples, and pasalubong finds.

As Basti Escalante of the Antonio’s Group put it, “Negrense food goes beyond inasal—there’s a lot more to discover.”

The fair will feature 178 brands across food, fashion, furniture, homeware, art, and local crafts—bringing come for the names they already love and leave with a new favorite—or several.

Beyond the table, the fair offers plenty to wear and bring home. Arête creates handcrafted island-style accessories using indigenous Philippine materials, while Ellege Handcrafted Fashion brings Negros Occidental’s intricate hand-smocking tradition into contemporary clothing. Other fashion and lifestyle labels will showcase resort wear, jewelry, woven pieces, and modern designs rooted in local culture. Home and craft enthusiasts can explore pieces by Hacienda Crafts, Tumandok Crafts Industries, Artisana Island Crafts, NVC Foundation, and other makers transforming abaca, rattan, bamboo, capiz, ceramics, wild pandan, and repurposed materials into distinctive décor, houseware, art, and furniture. Many of these pieces also sustain artisan livelihoods and help keep community craft traditions alive.

Leaders and partners behind BÚTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair come together during the media launch. From left: Royce Cabuñag, AVP and Head of SM Communities; Chef JJ Yulo; Mary Anne Colmenares, NTF Chairperson; Chef Tony Boy Escalante, owner of Antonio’s; Francis Esteban, owner of Breakfast at Antonio’s; Christina Gaston, ANP President; Antonio Sebastian Escalante of Antonio’s; Pats Lim Dy, SAVP for SM Communities; and Joaquin San Agustin, EVP for Marketing of SM Supermalls.

A 40-year legacy designed for the next 40

ANP Vice President Mary Anne Colmenares captured the meaning behind the anniversary theme: “Our roots are found in the traditions, skills, and stories handed down to us. Our blooms are the new ideas, new enterprises, and new generations emerging from those roots. After 40 years, Negros continues to bloom—and its brightest chapters are still ahead.” The milestone edition is therefore both a homecoming and a new beginning. “We’re celebrating 40 remarkable years—but we’re equally excited about the next 40,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin.   More than shopping, this is a celebration of talent, heritage, and heart. Bring your family and friends, support local, and take home a piece of Negros! See you at BÚTLAK!

2GO Group Inc.’s new corporate headquarters situated in FourE-Com Center, Pasay City

2GO Group Inc., the Philippines’ leading provider of shipping and logistics solutions, has officially moved its corporate headquarters to FourE-Com Center at the MOA Complex in Pasay City. The relocation marks an important step in the company’s long-term strategy, reflecting its continued focus on operational excellence, employee experience, and sustainable business growth.

According to Will Howell, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of 2GO Group, the move was a purposeful business decision guided by the company’s vision for the future. He emphasized that the new workplace is designed to better support employees, encourage collaboration, and help drive 2GO’s next stage of growth.

2GO’s new headquarters offers a significantly enhanced workplace experience with modern facilities, professionally managed environment, and future-ready infrastructure providing a stronger foundation for the company’s evolving operational requirements.

At the heart of the relocation is 2GO’s continued investment in its people. Recognizing that the workplace plays a vital role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and organizational culture, the new office has been designed to support greater cross-functional engagement and provide employees with an environment where they can perform at their best.

The move also reflects the company’s broader commitment to excellence. As one of the Philippines’ leading transportation and logistics providers, 2GO believes its workplace should embody the same standards of quality, professionalism, and reliability that it delivers to customers and partners across the country.

“As we continue to transform the business, we believe our workplace should evolve alongside us,” Howell added. “Our new home at FourE-Com is more than a new office—it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our ability to deliver greater value to our customers and stakeholders.”

The move marks another milestone in 2GO’s ongoing pursuit of improvement, creating a workplace that empowers its employees, encourages innovation, and strengthens the company’s path toward sustainable growth in the years to come.

For more information, please visit https://2go.com.ph/ 

2GO Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer William Howell delivering his presentation during the Mindanao Business Conference in Cagayan de Oro City

2GO, the Philippines’ largest integrated end-to-end transportation and logistics provider, reaffirmed its support for Mindanao’s economic development by enhancing connectivity and helping businesses reach wider markets while enabling travelers to conveniently get to destinations nationwide.

During the 35th Mindanao Business Conference on August 12, 2GO Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer William Howell emphasized the importance of strong connectivity in building a more inclusive and future-ready economy for Mindanao. The conference took place in Cagayan de Oro City from August 11 to 13, centered on the theme, “Accelerating Inclusive Growth through Innovation and Sustainability: Bridging the Gap, Scaling the Future.”

“When we talk about the future of the Philippine economy, Mindanao is not a peripheral story,” Howell said, noting the region’s vital role in agriculture and fisheries, energy, manufacturing, mining, exports, and tourism. Howell emphasized that the region’s economic potential can be further unlocked by strengthening the connections that allow goods, people, and opportunities to move efficiently across markets.

Connecting Mindanao’s industries to wider markets, Howell outlined four strategic pillars underpinning Mindanao’s economic advantage: industry, growth engines, connectivity, and tourism. While the region continues to produce globally competitive agricultural and manufactured products and attract investments across industries, he emphasized that connectivity ties these growth drivers together by linking farmers to markets, manufacturers to customers, exporters to gateways, and communities to new economic opportunities.

“Connectivity is not merely about moving goods and passengers. It is about enabling commerce, expanding access, attracting investments, and strengthening communities,” Howell said.

As Mindanao’s industries expand, 2GO is supporting businesses through an integrated network of freight, logistics, and travel solutions. The company’s Forwarding network includes 93 distribution hubs and warehouses nationwide, with 18 located in Mindanao. In the region, 2GO Forwarding handles approximately 1.5 million packages, or 150,000 transactions, annually.

Through 2GO Sea Solutions, the company connects Mindanao to key commercial hubs across the Philippines. 2GO serves ports located in Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Butuan, Dipolog, Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga, as part of its 20-port network nationally, while transporting 2.5 million metric tons of cargo to, from, and within Mindanao in 2025.

Beyond regular sea freight, 2GO provides specialized logistics solutions designed to address the evolving requirements of Mindanao’s industries, including project logistics for large-scale developments, cold chain for agricultural and food products, e-commerce logistics, and cross-docking solutions that support faster movement of goods.

Connectivity also extends beyond the movement of cargo. Through 2GO Travel, the company supports the mobility of entrepreneurs, workers, tourists, and communities, helping connect Mindanao with key destinations across Luzon and the Visayas.

2GO Travel currently operates 36 active passenger routes nationwide, including 18 with a Mindanao connection. The network supports 37 weekly voyages connecting Mindanao to Luzon and the Visayas, strengthening access to markets, employment, tourism, and other economic opportunities.

These integrated services reinforce 2GO’s role beyond that of a transportation provider. By combining sea freight, forwarding, specialized logistics, and passenger travel, the company helps businesses move products from production sites to markets while connecting people and communities across the archipelago.

The company’s participation in the 35th Mindanao Business Conference builds on its continued engagement with government, chambers, and business stakeholders in the region. Earlier this year, 2GO, the Mindanao Development Authority, and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. convened regional industry leaders to discuss logistics challenges and opportunities for strengthening supply chain connectivity across Mindanao.

The conference also highlighted connectivity as a key factor in shaping Mindanao’s economic future, with discussions focusing on strategic economic planning, resilience, smart industries, energy transition, digital infrastructure, trade, climate-smart business practices, tourism, and financing opportunities for MSMEs.

With its integrated sea freight, forwarding, and passenger travel services, 2GO continues to contribute to Mindanao’s growth by connecting people, businesses, markets, and opportunities across the country.

For more information about 2GO’s end-to-end transportation and logistics services, visit www.2GO.com.ph.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

(From left) Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions; Ethel Concepcion, Head of 2GO Corporate Marketing and Communications; Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development; Mr. Felix Taguiam, Regional Governor for Central Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; President Regan Rex King of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding; and Francis Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel

2GO, the country’s leading integrated transportation and logistics provider, brought together Cebu’s business leaders, industry experts, and policymakers for a strategic forum focused on strengthening connectivity to support the region’s continued growth in trade, tourism, and the broader economy.

In partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region VII, 2GO convened key regional stakeholders to explore Central Visayas’ economic prospects and highlight the crucial role of modern supply chain networks in connecting businesses with markets and travelers with major destinations.

“We want to hear your pain points and identify your areas of growth so we can co-create solutions together,” said 2GO Marketing Business Unit Head Ethel Concepcion, underscoring the company’s dedication to sustained dialogue and collaborations that enable long-term progress for regional trade and tourism sectors.

“When connectivity improves, businesses can move products faster and more efficiently. Tourism destinations become more accessible, supply chains build resilience, and new markets open,” said CCCI President Regan Rex King. “A stronger Cebu requires stronger connections, and those links begin with meaningful cross-sector alignment.”

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of 2GO and CCCI to foster a holistic economic framework. Through its expansive multimodal network, 2GO bridges trade routes across the Philippines, while collaborating with local organizations to unlock regional opportunities.

Highlighting the region’s trajectory, DEPDev Region VII Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro presented an outlook emphasizing Central Visayas’ transition toward a more diversified and interconnected economy. Ranked as the country’s fourth-largest regional economy in 2025, Central Visayas is advancing toward modernized transit and freight infrastructure, backed by 90 strategic high-impact projects (SHIPs) scheduled in 2027.

The forum featured an executive panel discussion titled “Strengthening Connectivity for Tourism, Trade, and Regional Growth,” bringing together King and 2GO executives Francis John Chua (Travel), Faye Allonzo (Forwarding), and Sharon Musngi-Ngo (Sea Solutions) to share their perspectives.

Recognizing the critical role of logistics in driving regional development, 2GO reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and trade organizations to establish dependable connections throughout Central Visayas.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.