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Food, Lifestyle

All Four of the Jollibee Group’s Manufacturing Locations Have Completed Clean Energy Integration


Moving forward with clean energy. Leaders from the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corporation have culminated the four-site solar project at the Jollibee Worldwide Services-Logistics plant last May 6. In attendance were (L-R)  Michael Ong, Jollibee Group’s Vice President and Head of Supply Chain; Joseph Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Group’s Chief Business Officer; Hon. Eric Olivarez, Mayor of Parañaque City; Hon. Maria Kristine Esplana, District 2 City Councilor; Vincent Martin Villegas, First Gen Corporation’s Senior Vice President and Pi Energy’s Chief Operating Officer; Atty. Voltaire dela Cruz, City Administrator; and Ashley Antonio, Jollibee Group’s Vice President and Head of Logistics.

The Jollibee Group has installed almost 16,800 solar panels at its four primary manufacturing locations in the Philippines, demonstrating how serious it is about using renewable energy.

This solar energy project, which the Jollibee Group and First Gen Corporation collaborated on, was completed on May 6 with a switch-on ceremony at the Jollibee Group’s logistics center in Parañaque City.


The Jollibee Group partnered with First Gen Corporation to install over 16,800 solar panels that generate over 9 megawatts of solar power at four of its key supply chain facilities. The fourth and final site (in photo) was completed last May 6 at the Jollibee Group’s C3 facility in Laguna.

“This is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey at the Jollibee Group. These initiatives are more than just technological advancement, but more importantly a shared commitment to preserving our planet and furthering our collective responsibility to create a more sustainable future,” said Michael Ong, Jollibee Group Vice President and Head of Supply Chain.

The shift to renewable energy for supply chain first materialized in November 2023 with the powering up of the Jollibee Group’s Zen3 facility in Canlubang, Laguna. Continuing its commitment, the Jollibee Group then added clean energy options to its largest manufacturing site, the Canlubang Baking Facility (CBF). The two solar projects have combined capacity of 5.05 Megawatts.

Rounding out the list are two newly solar-energized sites: Jollibee Worldwide Services-Logistics (JWS-L) in Parañaque and the C3 manufacturing site in Laguna, which have a combined energy capacity of 4.05 megawatts.


Jollibee Group’s state of the art JWS-L site in Parañaque City is the third plant to incorporate solar power as one of its energy sources this year with the installation of 2,100 solar panels.

All four manufacturing facilities can reduce their power consumption from the grid with a combined average of approximately 15 percent a year, a significant step towards a greener future. 

The use of renewable energy in Jollibee Group’s manufacturing sites are part of the Company’s global sustainability agenda called, Joy for Tomorrow. This sustainability agenda, which serves as the Jollibee Group’s strategic framework, treats the planet responsibly and builds a sustainable future in response to the United Nation’s urgent call to action. Under this agenda is a focus on Planet, of which energy efficiency is a priority area.

“We are pleased to have partnered with the Jollibee Group on their sustainability journey, helping them develop their capacity to generate solar energy. We look forward to continuing our partnership to help the Jollibee Group bring not just the joy of eating to consumers, but also a sustainable and regenerative future,” said Vincent Martin Villegas, First Gen Corporation senior vice president and concurrent chief operating officer of Pi Energy.

With the greatest portfolio of clean and renewable energy-powered power plants is First Gen Corporation, a division of the Lopez-led conglomerate First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH).

In addition to renewable energy, the Jollibee Group continues to focus on packaging sustainability and waste reduction for all of its businesses.

June 5, 2024 by
Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

BingoPlus completes its first cleanup effort along the coasts of Anilao

In support of the 1st Saksi Ngayon Bouyanihan and Coastal Clean-up Drive, BingoPlus, your go-to entertainment platform in the nation and provider of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, searched the shores of Villa Estelita’s beachfront in Anilao, Batangas alongside a number of organizations.

The event organizer, Saksi Ngayon, came up with the Bouyanihan event name to unite people in the shared spirit of environmental stewardship and support. The word “bouya,” which is the Filipino word for buoy, is combined with the word “bayanihan” to refer to the clean-up drive. BingoPlus, Saksi Ngayon, Hotel Sogo, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, independent professional divers, and community members came together for this event.

BingoPlus began cleanup mid-morning, meeting up with other participants at the beachfront. Several trash bags were gathered at the meet-up area by the one-hour mark, where attendees meticulously decided on which was the oddest item in the pile. During the cleanup, BingoPlus also gave out merchandise to event-goers who were taking a break from the summer sun.

Once the shores of Villa Estelita were cleaned up, BingoPlus and Hotel Sogo were invited to take a speedboat out into the waters where buoys with their respective brand logos were going to be set up by professional divers. These buoys are meant to provide boats with a place to moor as an alternative to using anchors that have a possibility of destroying corals and disturbing the local aquatic life.

Saksi Ngayon recognized BingoPlus’ support and participation at the end of the cleanup with certificates of participation and acknowledgement, thanking the brand for its partnership.

Despite its reputation as an advocate for Philippine amusement and leisure, BingoPlus makes sure to uphold its environmental and community obligations. The brand’s investment in culture also encompasses the flora and fauna that contribute to the distinctive and internationally renowned biodiversity of the Philippines. BingoPlus viewed the clean-up campaign as a chance to demonstrate environmental responsibility and community cooperation.

Digiplus Interactive Corp.’s core brands, BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, firmly establish the company as the nation’s leading provider of gaming and entertainment. Visit www.bingoplus.com and www.arenaplus.net for additional updates, or get the apps right now from Google Play and the App Store.

June 3, 2024 by
Food, Lifestyle

The JGF-ASHI Partnership Advances the Agro-Entrepreneurship Path of Filipino Farmers


The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) has partnered with microfinance institution Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) since 2013. In 2022, one of the farmer groups supported by ASHI, AGAP (ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program) became the first group in Luzon to have delivered various vegetables directly to Chowking branches in Laguna. Angel Dorado, ASHI’s Business Development Department Head said this progress is attributable to the change in mindset among the AGAP farmers.
 

According to 2021 data issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Filipino farmers continue to be among the poorest in the nation, with roughly one in three of them living below the poverty line.

The World Bank stated in 2022 that enhancing farmers’ access to financial services and markets is essential to raising their standard of living.

Through its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP), the Jollibee Group Foundation, the social development arm of the Jollibee Group, has pledged to improve the lives of smallholder farmers in the nation in response to the appeal to assist Filipino farmers. In order to assist smallholder farmers in transitioning from producers to agro-entrepreneurs capable of supplying corporate markets like the Jollibee Group, the FEP brings together stakeholders from many sectors.

“JGF has always been focused on pursuing innovative solutions that will make a lasting impact on the communities we serve and ensure food security and access. As we envision every Filipino family having food on the table alongside our goal to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ Zero Hunger (SDG 2), we find it important to uplift the lives of our smallholder farmers, the very people who bring food to our table,” said JGF President Gisela Tiongson.  

To do this, the Foundation partners with various institutions that assist and advise farmers in every step of their agro-entrepreneurship journey to increase and maintain a steady income. To facilitate this assistance, FEP introduced the Agro-Enterprise Clustering Approach (AECA), which aims to achieve inclusive agricultural productivity by guiding cooperative and associations in the country in the clustering and collective marketing of their agri products.

Microfinance institution Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) is among JGF’s reliable partners. ASHI became an FEP partner in 2013, and they saw AECA as an opportunity to assist more farmers by combining it with their financing services.

Financial Goals

Arnolfo Pan, Area Manager of ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program (AGAP) Luzon, has been with ASHI for 20 years and has been part of FEP for 12 years now.

“Dahil sa FEP, na-encourage ako lalo matuto ng farming. Natuto ako mag-marketing at magkaroon ng negosyo at mag-set ng financial goals (I was encouraged to learn more about farming. I also learned to do marketing, have a business, and set financial goals because of this program).”

Taking a holistic approach to empowering farmers, ASHI also improves the capability of its farmer-beneficiaries through training, consultations, and seminars that aim to boost their confidence as entrepreneurs. ASHI now combines financing and non-financing services, including financial literacy training, values formation, farmer organizing activities, and linkage to markets to empower the farmers to become self-sufficient while being proactive members of their clusters. 

Like FEP, ASHI also hopes to give the farmers a better grasp of the demands and makings of the institutionalized farmers market and the capacity to empower other smallholder farmers needing assistance.  

“Bilang anak ng isang magsasaka, tumutulong rin akong magturo ng makabagong agricultural practices sa ibang tao. Isa sa mga naituro ko sa iba kong kapamilya at mga ASHI members ay kung paano paangatin pa ang buhay nilang magsasaka upang maging farmer entrepreneur, at kung paano makakatulong sakanila ang ASHI dahil hindi nalang pa-lending ang ginagawa namin (As a farmer’s son, I also help educate people on new agricultural practices. One of the many things I shared with my family and my co-ASHI members is how to improve their livelihood as farmers by becoming a farmer entrepreneur. And how ASHI can help them transition to one as we offer other farmer support besides financial assistance),” Pan added. 


Empowering farmers. Taking a holistic approach to empowering farmers, ASHI now combines financing and non-financing services, including financial literacy training, values formation, farmer organizing activities, and linkage to markets to empower the farmers to become self-sufficient while being proactive members of their clusters. 
 

Farmer Entrepreneurs

In 2022, AGAP became the first group in Luzon to deliver directly to Chowking branches in Laguna.

Angel Dorado, ASHI’s Business Development Department Head, said this progress is attributable to the AGAP farmers’ mindset change.  “Pag pasok ko sa department na ito at sa FEP, new challenge para tulungan ang mga farmers. Dati mas individual sila mag-isip. Ngayon, importante na ma-develop sila into cluster na merong one goal, one dream, and one mindset (Being part of this department gave me a new challenge to help our farmers. Before, they had individual approaches to farming. Now, we needed to put them into clusters with one goal, one dream, and one mindset).”

Currently, 94% of FEP farmer groups are certified under the Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP), ensuring that crop production complies with food safety standards. This was made possible by the mentoring and training they received from FEP and other partner organizations.  

30 FEP farmer groups nationwide have supplied the Jollibee Group with 11 million kilograms of fresh veggies valued at over P500 million in sales as a result of these activities.

Not only do these achievements guarantee Jollibee Group a sustainable supply chain, but they also improve the lives of farmers and their families. Pan proudly stated that he used the program’s assistance to finance his nephews’ schooling, build a home, and purchase a car, among other things.

Like Dorado, the AGAP farmers have become determined to achieve and scale their business even more. “Mas lumalabas na ideas nila. Pangarap na nila na araw-araw na sila maka-deliver, na maging mas maayos pa ang samahan nila dahil  nakikita na nila ang benefit ng ginagawa natin sa kanila na mapaayos ang kanilang buhay (They now begin to think of more ideas. They also have dreams of consistently being able to deliver and to have better relations with their cluster because they now see the benefit of the program in uplifting their lives),” he said.

May 31, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Sports

In its third year, Vermosa Green Run becomes greener, leaner, and more generous

On Sunday, June 30, the much awaited running event with a sustainability theme, the Green Run at Vermosa, returns for its third year, promising to be even more impactful and to give back to the community in many ways.

The Run, which was started in 2022 with the goal of celebrating life and promoting health in the wake of the epidemic, is accessible to runners of all skill levels over a range of running lengths. Beginners can participate in a 3K run, moderate runners can enter a 5K category, serious runners can enter a 10K challenge, and elite runners and athletes in training can enter a 21K half-marathon. A 1K Dog Run where companion dogs and their owners can interact and get active together is being held for the second year in a row. In response to the demand for this enjoyable addition from last year, Green Run is expanding the number of places available for “furries” and their “fur parents” this year.

Fueled by its 2024 theme of ““Go Greener, Get Leaner, Give Back: Run Towards a Brighter Future”, The Green Run will kick off new Vermosa initiatives on its third year. To further the Estates’ advocacy for the environment, young athletes and animal welfare, Vermosa will implement “Carless Weekends” in designated zones to lessen the carbon footprint at Vermosa. It will also launch the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Velocity Running Club with weekly running activities for its members and classes conducted by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) coaches, to sustain a life of fitness and overall wellness.

The third version of the Green Run also added two more partner-beneficiaries this year. The Haribon Foundation will be joined by the Pawssion Project, a non-profit organization that rescues animals suffering from abandonment, abuse, injury or neglect and Takbo Kabitenyo, a running team from Cavite that aims to inspire the youth and promote sports and a healthy lifestyle. Part of the registrants’ fees will go to the support of future young runners from Cavite.

“The Green Run has always been an exhilarating experience for runners – be they casual, serious or elite. The freshness of the air in Vermosa, the lush foliage and the clear pathways have been hailed as real boons by participants. On its third year, the experience will be even better as the whole Vermosa Estate continues to blossom with new features. The Athletes House in the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub is now accommodating guests, the FIFA-certified football pitch is operational and the new Ayala Mall Vermosa is now open with more food outlets. More importantly, the northern part of Vermosa is being rapidly developed. Runners will find more amenities and conveniences this year,” said Moses “MJ” Aragones, Vermosa Project Development Manager.

According to Mr. Aragones, Vermosa’s annual The Green Run demonstrates its dedication to the environment and to its vision and goal, which include encouraging sports and a healthy lifestyle. “We are committed to health, fitness, and the growth of Philippine sports,” Aragones continued. “Our Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub is a state-of-the-art, professionally-managed sports facility with an Olympic-sized pool that meets FINA standards, a warm-up pool, an IAAF-standard 400-meter track oval, a football field, an athletes’ lounge and dormitory, and a Sante Fitness Lab.”

Those interested in participating in Green Run can register at ayalaland.myruntime.com.

May 30, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

The employee-focused culture of Eastern Communications has earned them the Great Place To Work Certification™


Eastern Communications celebrates its most loyal employees through the “Araw ng Parangal” longevity awards, honoring those who have dedicated their service from five to over thirty years.

Eastern Communications is pleased to declare that it has received its 2024 Great Place To Work® CertificationTM, a distinguished honor determined by employee input. Remarkably, 92% of Eastern’s workers said they felt welcomed when they first started working there.

The certification is based on real-time employee feedback about the company culture and the leadership practices that have been shown to produce market-leading revenue, employee retention, and greater innovation, according to Great Place To Work®, the world’s foremost authority on workplace culture. By receiving this honor, Eastern Communications is now recognized as one of the best places to work in the Philippines.

“Great Place To Work Certification™ is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Eastern Communications stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

“At Eastern, we make sure we build a transformational community, one that cultivates our employees’ growth while celebrating each employee’s unique talents and skills. Our culture thrives on the strong connections between our team members, and earning the Great Place To Work Certification™ affirms all our combined efforts. This recognition belongs to our incredible Ka-Eastern family—whose dedication, passion, and relentless hard work truly make us a great place to work,” said AC Cometa, Eastern Communications’ Human Resources Head.

Ka-Eastern: Employees at the Heart of Eastern Communications


Eastern Communications earns two Bronze Stevies at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards held at Shangri-La The Fort Hotel, Manila on May 24, 2024

Eastern Communications, a pioneering Philippine telecommunications company, bridges high-tech with high-touch, emphasizing human connections. This 145-year-old telco champions a people-centric approach, deeply valuing its employees, known as “Ka-Eastern.”

The company’s Heart of Service value encourages employees to go beyond their tasks, fostering meaningful interactions with customers and stakeholders.

Eastern’s dedicated Learning & Engagement team alongside an internal core committee organizes various activities that focus on generating camaraderie, supporting a healthy lifestyle, and increasing employee satisfaction. These activities, such as fun runs, online games, community engagements, and celebrations, are done both virtually and in person. Through its Longevity Awards, the company also recognizes employees who have dedicated many years of service to Eastern.

Eastern Communications invests in the growth of its people through regular skills training sessions. By providing valuable learning tools and opportunities to enhance their skill sets, the company boosts productivity, empowers its team, and ensures everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Empowering its people also earned Eastern Communications recognition at the 2024 Asia Pacific Stevie Awards, where the company won two Bronze Stevies for thought leadership and infrastructure initiatives.


[From L to R] Eastern Communications’ VP & Head of Product & Innovation Edsel Paglinawan, DSCN Consultant Albert Tuason, and AVP & Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation (NPEI) Delfin Lopez at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards

Eastern Communications’ Brand Communications Head, Hannah Lazatin, emphasizes how Eastern’s winning initiatives focused on digital transformation, future-proofing businesses, nation-building, and boosting economic growth.

Join Eastern’s Growing Team!

Job searchers are 4.5 times more likely to discover a terrific boss at a recognized workplace, according terrific Place To Work study. These companies also pay their workers fairly and have higher employee satisfaction and advancement rates.

Are you hoping to progress in your career with a company that values its employees? Go to Eastern Communications Careers Careers to view our careers page.

May 30, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Sports

Running for Change: Run2Plant Encourages Fitness-Based Environmental Action

The second year of Run2Plant: Para sa Greener Pinas, a virtual run initiative by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), a non-profit organization dedicated to upholding human dignity through community-based efforts to improve social, physical, and economic well-being in the Philippines, officially begins under the One To Tree (OTT) program.

Run2Plant, co-presented by Anytime Fitness and Pinoy Fitness, offers Filipinos a fresh, accessible, and ecologically friendly method to run, especially in honor of June’s Philippine Environment Month. RAFI promises to plant one to three trees with each registration, contingent on the run package selected by the participant.

Funds donated from the simulated race will go toward reforestation efforts in Batangas, with the goal of planting 6,000 native trees, expanding forest cover, and mitigating the serious effects of climate change, all in the name of creating a “Greener Pinas.”

Last year’s Run2Plant had 700 participants from different parts of the country. In partnership with the Bagacay Tree Growers Association, runners contributed to adopting 1,450 native trees in Borbon, Cebu, yielding a total of 9,900 kilograms of potential carbon sequestered per year.

Registration for Run2Plant: Para sa Greener Pinas is ongoing. Here are the steps:

  1. Download the Pinoy Fitness App in Google Play Store or Apple Store. Choose and register on RUN2PLANT Virtual Run on the app.
  2. Select your preferred distance and sign up.
  3. Wait for the confirmation email and complete the payment process via online bank deposit. Registration fees are:

Participants can either finish a 5K, 10K, or 21K run at their own pace and anywhere in the Philippines from June 1 to 30, 2024 by using any GPS-tracking running app, watch, or treadmill.

Registered participants will also have free access to treadmills in 48 Anytime Fitness branches nationwide from said dates where they can complete the virtual run by signing up to tinyurl.com/Run2PlantAFRegis.

To complete the task, runners simply snap a picture of their performance using a treadmill or running app and upload it to Run2Plant. A Run2Plant finisher’s medal and completion certificate will be awarded to participants who successfully complete their selected distance.

Run2Plant seeks to make everyone’s future better and more environmentally friendly by fusing the health advantages of running with the objective of planting trees. Visit https://tinyurl.com/Run2Plant to sign up for Run2Plant: Para sa Greener Pinas, and follow One To Tree on Facebook page for updates.

May 29, 2024 by
Lifestyle, News

As per HK magazine, SM Investments is the best corporate governance-compliant Philippine corporation

In its 14th Institutional Investor Corporate Awards, the Hong Kong-based journal Alpha Southeast Asia named SM Investments Corporation the Philippines’ top company with the Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance.

SM has already won the aforementioned category nine times, with 586 investors and analysts from Southeast Asia, the US, and Europe casting their votes.

“At SM, we uphold the highest standards of corporate governance in keeping with our commitment to attain shared value for our stakeholders – towards responsible and sustainable development for the communities we serve,” said SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio.

SM Investments secured its 13th victory in the Most Organized Investor Relations category and placed among the top five performing businesses in the Best Strategic CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) category.

Fund managers with investments in Southeast Asia, big institutional investors, insurance companies, pension funds, hedge fund funds, private banks, equity and fixed income brokers, as well as buy- and sell-side analysts, were among the participants in the Alpha Southeast Asia survey. This year, the top 38 publicly traded businesses in Southeast Asia were identified based on their exceptional performance in the areas of corporate governance, investor relations, disclosure, transparency, financial management, integrated reporting, corporate social responsibility, and/or dividend policy.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: [email protected] 

May 29, 2024 by
Lifestyle, Travel

Make Moves to Make Moves Walks in the Nature in Japan: Leave No Trace

Tourists strive to pack as many activities as they can into each day of their trip by planning ahead with packed agendas. However, occasionally we forget to sit down, take a deep breath, and appreciate our surroundings since our lives are already so hectic. That is the essence of Japan. We don’t realize how beautiful nature is until we pause and give it some thought. Japan has breathtaking scenery as well as charming towns; it’s the ideal place to take a moment to appreciate nature.

  1. Shosenkyo Gorge

If you want to take “the scenic route” to a whole new level, stop and admire the views of Shosenkyo Gorge. Located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, the gorge features a hiking trail that takes you through vibrant plants and rock formations that resemble Mt. Fuji and other figures. Speaking of the mountain, you can get a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Japan Alps should you take the ropeway.

To get there, you can go to Kofu Station, a 90-minute ride from Shinjuku Station. From Kofu Station, the rest of the trip is a 40-minute bus ride.

  • Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a walk not to be missed. Mt. Fuji towers over the surrounding view and its reflection fills the caldera lake. Coupled with the Hakone Shrine, the scenery is staggering. Few sights in the world are as breathtaking. You can also go for a ride on one of the pirate ships run by Hakone Sightseeing Boats or on swan paddle boats that are available for hire.

From Tokyo, Lake Ashinoko can be reached via the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, take a 35-minute bus ride to Motohakone-ko station.

  • Nagatoro

This small town in Saitama Prefecture is a gem waiting to be discovered. Its rich history is nestled in between mountains and trees. Taking a boat ride down the Arakawa River and riding down through the Nagatoro Gorge can soothe any soul, but there are also more intense river rafting rides for those looking for a thrill. Nagatoro is a town designed for outdoor activities and has something for everyone!

Nagatoro can be reached by car through the Kan-Etsu Expressway, or by train through the Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro station, both ways taking around an hour and a half.

  • Mt. Horaiji

If you are in the mood for soul-searching, look for the towering Mt. Horaiji. It envelops a forest and lets you experience colors that seem hand-picked by a landscape artist. Found in the Aichi Prefecture, this mountain mixes nature and spirituality, perfect for an introspective walk filled with facts about history and Japanese religion. Only a mountain this majestic can remind us that life is bigger than the things we do and that the beauty of the natural world is unmatched. Horaiji Temple located on the mountain was built in 703 and is believed to have curative powers.

Get to Mt. Horaiji by local bus from Hon-Nagashino Station, or by shinkansen from Nagoya Station to Toyohashi Station, transferring to the JR Iida Line to Hon-Nagashino Station.

  • Nunobiki Falls

Nunobiki Falls may be reached by using a meandering path that winds beyond Shin-Kobe Station, passing a few homes and an odd local. One of the most well-known waterfalls in Japan; the trek is worthwhile because of the vista from the top. There are several informative signs in English and a herb garden, making it a serene location. The Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway can be used to reach the top of the waterfall and provide an unparalleled perspective of the surrounding vegetation. The location offers a distinctive opportunity to experience peace with nature because it is remote from the typical bustle of Japan.

You may travel from Osaka to Shin-Kobe Station in about 12 minutes by taking the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. The falls are 20 minutes’ trek away from there.

Even if racing through urban jungles on vacation is exciting, there are moments when all we need to do is pause and take in the beauty. For those who take the time to search, Japan is blessed with a plethora of natural beauties. Anyone can create amazing memories and capture amazing photos with a little preparation, a talent for scrutiny, and a sense of adventure. To truly enjoy nature, one must seek it out, and in Japan, the land of boundless discovery, there is always more to see.

May 29, 2024 by
Lifestyle

Avia Estate has impressive plans for the future and presents year-one progress


Avia Estate by Alsons Dev integrates prime residential communities, first-class leisure amenities, wide retail & commercial offerings, reputable educational institutions, and government support facilities in one address.

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) is accelerating the development of Avia Estate in Alabel, Sarangani, a year after its founding. The 121-hectare mixed-use community’s goal is to offer a contemporary, fully developed living experience, and current construction is creating the groundwork for this to happen.

“Building on the momentum of last year’s launch, we remain steadfast in our belief in Sarangani’s boundless growth potential,” affirms Miguel Rene Dominguez, Director of Alsons Dev. “Avia Estate stands as a testament to our commitment to fueling progress in the region by cultivating a dynamic and secure community where families and businesses thrive.”

Live, work, play, and thrive at Avia Estate


Construction in Avia Estate and Narra Park Residences Avia is well underway, with 50 units in Narra Park Residences Avia targeted for completion by the end of the year.

Narra Park Residences Avia is the township’s first new development. Since its launch last year, the residential development for the first 200 residences has been steadily progressing. The goal is to finish fifty units by the end of the year.

The village gate and guardhouse are also on track for completion this August. Other community spaces, such as the large parks, cabaña, swimming pools, and multi-purpose covered court, are set to be completed next year.


Breaking ground last September 2023, the Alabel Public Safety and Security Complex is set to be turned over to the Alabel Local Government by the end of 2024. It is the region’s first integrated emergency response center.

Aside from community amenities, property seekers also prioritize safety and security when looking for their next home. That’s why Alsons Dev is leading the way in ensuring community safety with the construction of the Alabel Public Safety and Security Complex, benefiting not only residents within the estate but also the bigger Alabel community. The 1,800 sqm complex will be the region’s first integrated emergency response center, bringing together a police station, fire substation, and satellite emergency operations center in one location.

The Alabel Public Safety and Security Complex broke ground in September 2023 and is scheduled for turnover to the Alabel local government unit by November 2024.

Moreover, esteemed Montessori school The Abba’s Orchard is set to break ground for their Avia Estate campus in June 2024. It will be the first in SOCCSKSARGEN to offer true Montessori, educating young learners from pre-school to Grades 1-3 by school year 2025. The Abba’s Orchard Avia will offer topnotch learning experiences as it aligns with Alsons Dev’s dedication to support the modern family’s needs and bolstering Sarangani’s advancement.


The Model Village Park is open to the public from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily while the Narra Park Residences Avia model units are open for viewing from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Find out how you can live your best life with Avia Estate. Visit the two-story and bungalow model units, which are available for walk-ins from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM everyday, to get a taste of estate life. In addition to the unit tour, you may take use of the newly finished Model Village Park, which is located next to the Narra Park Residences Avia model units. The park, which is ideal for outdoor play and fitness, is now open to the public every day from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. In the near future, weekend bazaars and other family-friendly events will take place there. Go to facebook.com/AviaEstate for additional information on Avia Estate.

May 24, 2024 by
Lifestyle

BingoPlus participates in the VP Choice Awards, which honor industry trailblazers

In order to celebrate the annual VP Choice Awards for 2024, BingoPlus, your go-to entertainment platform in the nation and supplier of your favorite online tongits, bingo, and perya games, teams up with Village Pipol.

BingoPlus has become an everyday platform for enjoyment and leisure, having established itself as a mainstay of the entertainment business through its efforts to bring the thrill of playing different Philippine games into the comforts of one’s own home, the business has been able to create experiences that go beyond physical boundaries and foster relationships using common interests. BingoPlus is committed to improving the quality of life for Filipinos by providing better access to a greater selection of games without sacrificing any of their fun features, such as the social interaction that comes with playing in a group.

While BingoPlus is primarily involved in the gaming and entertainment industry, the brand has always aimed to elevate the leisure and enjoyment experience of Filipinos nationwide as a whole. This core principle aims to encompass the entirety of what “leisure and entertainment” means to the country, from local traditions to national events.

BingoPlus plays the role of an active supporter and champion of Philippine culture and entertainment. Many of the brand’s efforts include partnering with organizers across the country to make a variety of events more memorable to the Filipinos. This year alone saw BingoPlus travel to Cebu for Sinulog 2024, to Iloilo for the Dinagyang Festival, and to Baguio for the Panagbenga Festival.

Beyond traditional celebrations, BingoPlus also involves itself in modern forms of entertainment that are particularly important to Filipinos like pageants and awarding events. Notably, BingoPlus has taken on the mantle of Miss Universe Philippines 2024’s lead presenter. Its efforts range from preparing a summer photoshoot to spearheading an interactive campaign called #GandaPlus to hosting a special voting campaign for Miss BingoPlus 2024.

This year, BingoPlus has also included Village Pipol among its list of partners, joining the VP Choice Awards as the official presentor.

The VP Choice Awards is meant to recognize the names and brands who have made exceptional contributions to the travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and technology industries. Winners of each category are chosen by the public through Facebook-based voting. For 2024, BingoPlus provided a second voting platform for the VP Choice Awards by creating a voting portal that was accessible through the brand’s website and online app during the voting period. It also presented two special awards during the event, which was presented by Angela Camins-Wieneke of BingoPlus Foundation.

The first award, Group Performer of the Year, was presented to Ppop boy group BGYO, while the second award, Celestial Star of the Night, was presented to actress Vivoree and actor Jeff Moses. The Celestial Star of the Night awardees each received Php 50,000 cash.

BingoPlus similarly brought home its own award, which was the VPCA for Charity and Technology Excellence. This award recognizes the societal impact of the BingoPlus Foundation, particularly in providing communities with accessible healthcare, education, security, and technological innovation.

Outside the awarding, BingoPlus made sure to entertain event goers and supporters alike by hosting an online campaign during the VP Choice Awards red carpet livestream. The brand encouraged viewers to like and share the event poster with answers to the poster’s questions and the hashtags #BPxVPCA and #5thVPChoiceAwardsNight. The campaign offered winners a total of Php 50,000 on GCash.

Event attendees, meanwhile, were treated to several BingoPlus freebies from the BingoPlus booth. The merchandise varied from a BingBing stuffed toy to a clear tote bag to a small pouch.

Committed to its objectives and the people it serves, BingoPlus continues to give Filipinos an online gaming environment where they may play their favorite games at their leisure and build relationships with family and neighbors. The brand thinks that through working with Village Pipol, it would be able to learn more about how to give Filipinos thrilling experiences. BingoPlus can also learn more about what its audience and other industry participants find pleasurable and engaging by participating in the VP Choice Awards.

The nation’s fastest-growing provider of digital entertainment is DigiPlus. With more to come, it runs the top digital platforms in the nation, including BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, PeryaGame, Tongits+, and BingoPlus Poker. Filipinos may enjoy a wide variety of entertainment options on BingoPlus, including tongits, bingo, perya games, and many more games they can play at home. Visit www.bingoplus.com for additional information, or get the app right now from Google Play and the App Store.

May 23, 2024 by