Travel

(From left) Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group of the Department of Trade and Industry; Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona of the Regional Operations Group; Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel; and George Clayton Narag, Head of Product Development of 2GO Travel.

2GO, the country’s leading sea travel provider, has entered into a partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at boosting the development of Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This collaboration seeks to help MSMEs access broader markets by offering cost-effective sea transport for trade activities and by introducing OTOP Nooks on board 2GO Travel passenger vessels.

Under the agreement, DTI-endorsed MSMEs participating in official trade fairs can take advantage of specially discounted sea travel rates. Entrepreneurs are also granted up to 50 kilograms of baggage allowance, making it easier to transport various products across destinations. In addition, OTOP Nooks will be established on all 2GO Travel passenger ships, serving as onboard retail spaces where MSME products under the OTOP Philippines Program can be displayed and sold. This initiative not only opens new sales channels for locally made goods but also allows travelers to discover and purchase Filipino products while on board.

DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for MSMEs, noting that “this initiative strengthens the presence of proudly Filipino products beyond their home regions and enables MSMEs to reach more consumers nationwide, with sea travel supporting their growth and mobility.”

2GO will offer special discounted rates for DTI-endorsed MSMEs joining official trade fairs, along with exclusive travel and cargo support to streamline their participation.

Francis John Chua, Business Unit Head of 2GO Travel, shared that “this collaboration allows both established and aspiring MSMEs to tap into our sea travel network, and we hope that they take advantage of their 50kg baggage allowance that comes with every 2GO Travel ticket. This actually means that starting and growing your own business has never been easier. Now, you can carry the trade you want to sell with you, bring your products directly to passengers across key routes, and strengthen your visibility while maximizing our onboard retail platform.”

The first OTOP partnership between DTI Region XII and 2GO Travel was launched onboard MV 2GO Masinag. With the signing of this nationwide MOA, the initiative now expands to cover all 2GO Travel passenger vessels, further connecting local entrepreneurs to a broader customer base.

For questions about travel deals exclusively available to MSMEs, you may reach out via [email protected].

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

Transportation was one of the many essential daily activities that Filipinos were denied as the pandemic brought the nation to a complete halt.

Every household’s ability to commute for necessities was severely restricted by the lack of public transportation brought on by social distancing, and many relied on biking as their lifeline.

Recognizing the urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers.

Because of this effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the 2025 Mobility awards.

“What began as a heartfelt initiative to support bikers during COVID, has now become an integrated bike program spanning every single SM mall in the country,” said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin. “Active Mobility plays a crucial role not just in preserving the environment but in the enrichment of every Filipino. Thus, SM aims to continually foster the culture of biking across its properties by creating beloved places where movement is safe, easy, and inclusive for everyone.”

Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction

Through a collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and inclusive transport.

“It started with us setting up parking spots exclusive to bikes to ease access for cyclists picking up essentials in our malls. Then when the volume of cyclists picked up even as the lockdown eased, we knew we had to do more for them,” said Mina Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation Management.

For the mall leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks, the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of the culture of cycling.

From there, bike-friendly features have become staples even in recent developments and renovations with plans to implement more secure bike parking, install more racks, and clearer cycling lanes around the malls. Cycling groups also found a conducive haven for activities at SM properties. Biking events were regularly encouraged and hosted, with surrounding tenants adjusting operating hours to accommodate cyclists, further promoting biking not just as a mode of transportation but as a lifestyle and sport one could enjoy.

This in turn earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11 Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting cycling as a culture across its properties.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) also highlighted SM’s sustainable strategy as an example of its creativity, leadership, and sustained dedication to improving the safety and accessibility of active transportation for Filipinos. The SM Supermalls Sustainable Mobility and Bike-Friendly initiative was cited for Notable Development by the Private Sector, and its Pedal Power 2025 program was highlighted for this year’s Notable Advocacy initiative.

Banwa Private Island continues to refine its guest experience with the introduction of a purpose-built pickleball court. The addition reflects the growing global interest in racket sports and responds directly to guest demand.

With its arrival, Banwa will offer world-class facilities for both pickleball and tennis, further enhancing its land-based leisure portfolio. These sit alongside a dedicated table-tennis area and a carefully curated selection of sporting and wellbeing experiences.

Guests may also enjoy the island’s 9-hole short game golf course, as well as beach volleyball, basketball, and 5-a-side soccer.

For restoration and balance, yoga, Pilates, and massage therapies are available, seamlessly integrated into the island’s daily rhythm.

On the water, guests can enjoy Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and fishing. The island’s fleet includes the Iguana, the only amphibious guest-experience vessel of its kind in Southeast Asia, providing access to signature experiences such as sandbank sundowners and sunset river cruises.

Banwa also offers scuba diving and snorkelling, supported by highly experienced dive masters, with nearby reefs providing excellent visibility and marine life. A short boat journey further opens access to tropical hiking trails and elevated viewpoints.

Together, these experiences reflect Banwa’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class guest activities.

https://banw-zcmp.maillist-manage.eu/click/12912c82cd7057cb/12912c82cd704398

For further information please visit, www.banwaprivateisland.com

*Launched Manila – Ho Chi Minh service in Q4/2025

Strong revenue and profit gains in the fourth quarter and the entire year of 2025 were announced by Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC), highlighting the airline’s adaptable and efficient operational capabilities. These outcomes give Vietjet a strong base on which to build its ambitious worldwide expansion plans for 2026.

Effective operations sustain profit growth momentum

According to its financial documents, Vietjet achieved consolidated revenue of VND82.093 trillion (about. US$3.16 billion) for the full year, an increase of 14% YoY. Separate revenue increased 47% year over year to VND29.035 trillion (about US$1.11 billion) in Q4 of 2025.

The airline’s separate gross profit for 2025 stood at VND8.213 trillion (approx. US$316.2 million), driven by network expansion and lower fuel costs compared to the previous year.

The airline’s profitability increased in 2025. For the full year, consolidated post-tax profit reached VND2.123 trillion (approx. US$81.7 million), growing 51.2%, and exceeding 120% of the annual plan.

As of December 31, 2025, Vietjet’s total assets reached VND139.459 trillion (approx. US$5.37 billion). The net debt-to-equity ratio stood at 2.25, while the liquidity ratio reached 1.53, among the strongest in the aviation industry.

During the year, Vietjet successfully issued 50 million shares, increasing equity by VND5 trillion (approx. US$192.6 million), to support long-term growth.

Expanding flight network drives market leadership

In 2025, the airline carried 28.2 million passengers on 153,000 flights, representing YoY growth of 9% and 11.2%, respectively. In Q4/2025 alone, Vietjet transported more than 6.7 million passengers across 36,100 flights.

Vietjet continues to hold the leading market share in Vietnam by passenger volumes across both domestic and international markets.

The airline currently operates 254 routes, including 52 domestic and 202 international services, and launched 22 new routes last year, connecting Vietnam to key destinations, including Central Asia and China. Notably, this included the launch of weekly direct flights between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City in Q4/2025.

Strengthening international cooperation and long-term investment

Q4/2025 marked major milestones in the Vietjet’s long-term investment strategy, with the delivery of 22 new aircraft, representing the airline’s largest fleet expansion since its establishment.

During the year, Vietjet signed an agreement with Airbus to buy 100 A321neo aircraft, along with a separate contract with Rolls-Royce for 92 Trent 7000 engines and comprehensive maintenance services, valued at US$3.8 billion.

Strengthening customer experience through innovation, technology and global awards

Vietjet continued to expand its service offerings, including Business class tickets, the SkyJoy loyalty program, in-flight retail, multi-channel booking and payment platforms, and its AI virtual assistant, Amy. Operational upgrades included the adoption of biometric identification at check-in to improve service efficiency.

In 2025, Vietjet received several international recognitions, including:

• World’s Safest Airlines and Best Ultra Low-Cost Airline (AirlineRatings)
• Asia’s Leading Airline for Customer Service (World Travel Awards)
• Most Valuable Airline Brands in ASEAN 2025 (Brand Finance)
• Gold Award at ESG Transport Sustainability Awards (Taiwan)

Vietjet is well-positioned to pursue sustainable growth and global expansion in 2026 thanks to its solid financial performance, quickly growing fleet, strengthened operational capabilities, and increased international partnerships.

Further information at www.vietjetair.com

Hopon hopoff bus in HCMC

Your calendars need to be synchronized! Vietjet is assisting Filipinos in making their travel plans a reality as a new round of holidays approaches. From January 27 to 29, 2026, Vietjet is giving up to 30% off Deluxe tickets, enticing tourists to begin making holiday plans for Vietnam in 2026.

Travelers purchasing Deluxe tickets and using the special code DLXVJ through www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile application will receive a 30% discount on base rates (excluding taxes and fees) from 00:00 on January 27 to the end of January 29, 2026 (GMT+8). All Vietjet domestic and international routes, including the Manila-Ho Chi Minh City route with travel dates from February 1 to December 31, 2026 (*), are eligible for the deal.

Whether you’re eyeing a quick three-day food crawl in Ho Chi Minh City or a grand family vacation across Hanoi and Da Nang, this 71-hour flash sale is the sign you’ve been waiting for to book that 2026 escape. The airline operates daily direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Manila, offering extensive connections across Vietnam and the wider Asia-Pacific region through its broad flight network.

Vietjet understands Filipinos don’t travel light, especially when there’s world-class coffee and affordable shopping involved. Vietjet’s Deluxe fare is designed for a stress-free barkada or family trip.

Vietjet_cabin crew

Vietjet’s Deluxe fare is designed to provide passengers with a comfortable and flexible travel experience, including 20kg of baggage allowance, complimentary seat selection, free flight schedule changes, and additional included benefits (**).

Spring is one of the most appealing times to visit Vietnam with pleasant weather and a festive atmosphere across the country. From cultural celebrations during the Lunar New Year month to exploring Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, rich heritage, and renowned cuisine, the season provides an ideal setting for memorable travel experiences.

Vietjet provides simple flight alternatives to help tourists make the most of every trip to Vietnam, from extended holidays to cultural excursions and spring escapes.

Vietjet aircraft

On Vietjet’s contemporary, fuel-efficient aircraft, travelers may savor a variety of hot meals, including Vietnamese specialties and international cuisine, provided by skilled staff. Additionally, over 250 partner brands in travel, dining, shopping, and lifestyle services allow members of the SkyJoy loyalty program to accrue and redeem points.

(*) Travel periods may vary by route, blackout dates apply, and public holidays are excluded

(**) Terms and conditions apply

Further information at www.vietjetair.com

Vietjet aircraft

On January 15, 2026, Vietjet will offer Filipino passengers 30% off Deluxe tickets on all of its flights as part of a one-day deal to start the New Year. Direct daily flights on the recently opened Manila–Ho Chi Minh City route are included in the promotion, and travelers can also reserve domestic flights inside Vietnam at discounted rates.

By using the offer code DELUXE2026, travelers who book Deluxe prices on the Vietjet website and mobile app can receive 30% off base fares from 1:00 AM to the end of January 15, 2026, Philippine time. The offer is valid for flights operating between February 1 and December 31, 2026 (*), so foreign passengers have plenty of time to organize their trip to Vietnam and other destinations this year.

Vietjet flight attendant

Vietjet’s Deluxe fare is designed for added comfort and flexibility, and includes 20kg of checked baggage, free seat selection, free itinerary changes, and other value-added benefits (**).

Hoi An ancient town in Da Nang, Vietnam

Vietnam is a top destination for Filipino travelers, with arrivals from the Philippines rising 81.3%, according to Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. From Ho Chi Minh City’s electric street life to its dynamic food scene and buzzing nightlife, Vietnam’s southern metropolis offers an irresistible blend of world-class cuisine, rich history, modern energy, and warm, genuine hospitality. Filipino travelers can also visit the capital of Hanoi, gateway to misty mountain splendors of Ha Giang, Sa Pa or visit Vietnam’s heritage sites in Hue, Hoi An thanks to Vietjet’s extensive and convenient flights in Vietnam. The country weaves an irresistible tapestry of world-class cuisine, rich traditions, stunning nature, and genuine hospitality.

Along with foreign cuisine, Vietjet’s skilled and attentive cabin crew serves fresh, hot Vietnamese classics including Pho, Banh Mi, and Vietnamese iced milk coffee. Modern, fuel-efficient aircraft are used to run flights, and there are occasionally in-flight cultural and entertainment events.

A beach in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Make travel plans now and use Vietjet to explore Vietnam!

(*) Travel periods may vary by route and blackout dates apply

(**) Terms and conditions apply

Further information at www.vietjetair.com