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BlueWater Day Spa Celebrates 20 Years of Global Glow and Local Soul from Manila to Seoul

A new era of wellness begins as BlueWater Day Spa unveils its newest brand ambassadors. From left: Korean actor and ambassador Choi Bo Min and Filipino actor-singer Teejay Marquez pose for the official campaign reveal.

BlueWater Day Spa has been a popular spot for 20 years, providing a peaceful haven amidst the daily grind. Numerous Filipinos have benefited from the spa’s trademark treatments and carefully planned massage experiences, which have helped them rejuvenate and rediscover their radiance.

Laughter and energy filled the room as BlueWater Day Spa’s brand ambassadors engaged with the crowd during their official introduction. From left: Host Queen Semana shares a fun exchange with Korean actor Choi Bo Min and Filipino actor-singer Teejay Marquez at the 20th Anniversary Media Launch held at The Westin Manila.

BlueWater Day Spa commemorated this achievement and marked the beginning of a new era on July 10th. Two new brand ambassadors were formally introduced at the event: Choi Bo Min, a rising Korean actor-idol and current lead in Beauty Empire on GMA and VIU, and Teejay Marquez, a multi-talented Filipino singer and actor well-known throughout Southeast Asia. Attending the 20th anniversary celebration of BlueWater Day Spa was such a memorable experience for me. For two decades, BlueWater has been a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, offering signature treatments and curated massage experiences that so many Filipinos—including myself—have grown to love.

With Teejay Marquez

With Choi Bo Min

Join the game and partner with Teejay Marquez

As a fan of body massages, it felt extra special to be part of this milestone event. One of the highlights was the fun game we played during the celebration, which added so much energy and excitement to the event. I also had the amazing opportunity to meet the two newly introduced brand ambassadors—Teejay Marquez and Choi Bo Min. Both of them were incredibly kind and down-to-earth, and I felt genuinely happy to meet them in person. Their presence perfectly reflects what BlueWater Day Spa represents today: timeless, yet always in touch with the present.

Ambassadors Who Pamper with Purpose

When Teejay Marquez spoke on stage, it wasn’t just to charm the room. It was to share something personal: his approach to rest and recovery in a demanding career.

BlueWater Day Spa ambassador Teejay Marquez shares his favorite massage treatments during the media launch held at The Westin Manila.

“The Balinese Massage helps me recover after long days on set,” Teejay explained. “I also love the Thai Yoga Massage — it stretches me out and rebalances everything. It really helps me sleep better.”

It’s the kind of insight that resonates with anyone who’s tried to keep up with a packed calendar. For Teejay, making time to slow down isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Then came Choi Bo Min, who won hearts not only with his calm charisma, but with his surprising fluency in relaxing.

Korean actor and GMA’s Beauty Empire lead Choi Bo Min brings charm and calm to the BlueWater Day Spa anniversary event.

“The Traditional Filipino Massage was new to me — but so good, I fell asleep halfway through,” he said with a smile (“That’s how good it was.”). “I’d also like to try the Korean HIFU treatment — it’s popular in Korea and helps define the face. That’s something I’m curious about.”

Bo Min’s choices reflect what BlueWater Day Spa has cultivated over time: a mix of authentic local treatments and globally inspired offerings, making it relevant for both Filipino loyalists and international stars alike.

A Legacy of Consistency and Care

The brand’s leadership joins its ambassadors in marking a milestone moment. From left: BlueWater Day Spa Operations Manager Nancy Go, Choi Bo Min, Teejay Marquez, and President & CEO Mary Simisim during the 20th anniversary celebration at The Westin Manila.

Since its founding, BlueWater Day Spa has been known for delivering treatments with consistency, warmth, and professionalism. While many trends in wellness have come and gone, the brand has remained rooted in the belief that taking time to rest is a meaningful choice — not a luxury.

What sets the spa apart is its blend of technique and experience. From Traditional Filipino hilot, to Thai and Balinese massage styles, to modern non-invasive facials like HIFU, each treatment is backed by international training, ensuring high-quality results across locations.

“Bringing in an international ambassador like Bo Min isn’t just a PR move,” shared one insider. “It reflects the truth — that BlueWater Day Spa offers treatments and service standards that meet global expectations.”

As part of the celebration, the spa also announced an Afternoon Promo — with up to 20% off on selected services, available until September 17, 2025, at branches in Greenhills, Banawe-Quezon City, and Estancia Mall-Pasig.

20 Years In, and Still Glowing

Whether you’re a regular at their spa theater or someone just discovering the joy of a full-body massage, BlueWater Day Spa has built its legacy around one simple idea: everyone deserves time to pause.

With ambassadors like Teejay and Bo Min at the forefront, the brand launches into its third decade with a fresh message: calm is power, and caring for yourself is timeless.

BlueWater Day Spa has locations in Pasig City’s Estancia Mall, Banawe, Quezon City, and Eton Square, Ortigas, Greenhills, San Juan.

Follow bwdspa on Facebook and @bluewaterdayspaofficial on Instagram to find out more.

 

 

July 11, 2025 by
Food, Lifestyle

Miming Reveals: What Leads to Emissions of Greenhouse Gas?

  • New episode of locally made Youtube Series makes understanding climate change easier for kids and families
  • 4thEpisode of environmental series shares song from an unlikely villain  

The fourth episode of the well-liked animated YouTube miniseries Miming and Friends has been released, carrying on the tradition of teaching kids and families about environmental sustainability through animated characters and music.

Mondelēz International in the Philippines and Ramon del Prado and Meryll Yan, a husband-wife team, collaborated to create the Miming and Friends YouTube channel, which features local animation material. Through entertaining and instructive content, the series aims to promote sustainable snacking and appropriate trash management techniques. Save Philippine Seas (SPS), a nonprofit organization devoted to protecting marine and coastal resources for group action and behavior change, is partnered with the latter.

The latest episode tackles the pressing issue of waste mismanagement and its relationship with climate change, bringing the characters together to learn about greenhouse gases and their impact on the world. “Episode 4 touches into the critical topic of climate change,” said Miming and Friends co-creator, Meryll Yan. “We believe that by understanding the causes and effects of greenhouse gases, we can empower the next generation to become proactive environmental stewards.”

The episode also introduces a new character – one who has a lot to say about greenhouse gas emissions and where they come from. Named Ghregoryo, the character is painted as a villain and has a very compelling song in the episode, which hopefully shines a light on the importance of individual actions.

“This episode dives into how our choices can affect the ocean and our climate in many unexpected ways,” explained Anna Oposa, Chief Mermaid and Executive Director of SPS. “We hope to help the youth connect their everyday actions like energy consumption or accumulating too much waste to the larger issue of greenhouse gases and the urgent need for responsible stewardship.”

“This newest adventure on greenhouse gases reminds us that building a sustainable future is a shared responsibility, and that everyone has a role to play,” shared Caitlin Punzalan, Corporate and Government Affairs Lead at Mondelēz International in the Philippines. “We are proud to engage with communities across the Philippines and inspire collective action towards a healthier planet.”

Since the release of Episode 3 in 2024, the channel has experienced consistent growth, climbing to over 42,800 total subscribers. This surge in viewership and engagement reflects the series’ ability to resonate with kiddie and family audiences and its effectiveness in delivering important messages about environmental stewardship.

Mondelēz International has been instrumental in supporting the series, aligning with their commitment to sustainability and waste management. Through the adventures of anthropomorphic cat-fish Miming and her friends, the series aims to inspire young viewers to take action and make a positive impact on the environment.

“At Mondelēz International, we believe that #SustainableSnacking starts at home,” adds Punzalan. “Miming and Friends provides a creative platform for reaching the right audiences with engaging content that inspires real and sustainable change. Sustainability can sometimes seem complex, especially for children. We want to help break down these concepts to show how our daily actions can have a positive impact.”

Beyond the series’ success, Mondelēz International also accomplished significant sustainability milestones, such as earning the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal from the Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), which acknowledges the company’s efforts to meet and surpass the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) law’s requirement to collect post-consumer plastic packaging. The company makes sure that the equal weight of the plastic packaging it uses for its snack products is diverted through recycling and other methods to prevent it from ending up in a landfill or as marine litter by partnering with waste diverters.

Use this link to view the most recent episode of Miming and Friends: https://youtu.be/0iGoRQU_yGY?feature=shared

Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ. Also visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home

 

 

July 10, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Everyone should have access to financial education: Tala Philippines broadens TALAkayan’s financial literacy outreach

Tala Philippines executives (L-R) Charisse Alvarez, President & Head of Finance; Patrick Yoder, SVP for Credit (Tala); Arianne Ferrer, External Affairs Director; Missy Santos, Marketing Director; and Moritz Gastl, General Manager lead special seed planting ceremony during TALAkayan, signifying Tala’s promise to nurture Filipinos’ dreams and financial growth.

As part of its objective to improve financial literacy for the majority of people worldwide, Tala Philippines pioneered the award-winning TALAkayan series of financial education seminars. The initiative, which is being carried out in collaboration with Empower and Transform (EAT), is to educate Filipinos on the fundamentals of money management and personal finance.

By releasing instructional digital content that is useful and simple to comprehend from its popular workshop series, Tala Philippines is further broadening the scope and influence of TALAkayan. This is a part of its endeavors to spread the value of financial literacy and education among Filipinos and to make financial education even more accessible. Every week, a fresh film covering anything from understanding credit scores and investing to everyday inflation tricks and viral saving challenges will be posted on Tala Philippines’ social media channels.

The financial literacy video series was launched during a special TALAkayan workshop conducted on July 8, 2025. Bloggers, influencers, and media practitioners participated in the interactive session led by financial guru Salve Ibañez who expounded on the concepts of goal setting, saving and budgeting, debt management, differentiating between good and bad debt, calculating one’s net-worth, retirement planning, and investing, and the importance of these in improving financial health.

At the end of the workshop, she stressed how anyone can greatly benefit from having access and knowledge about personal finance, and applying it in their day-to-day lives. This is the message Tala Philippines wants to bring out through the TALAkayan workshops and the video series—financial education is for everyone, no matter what age, occupation, gender or background you may have. It is a valuable tool that can impact lives for the better.

“You are not defined by when you started in your financial journey, but the steps you take to achieve progress,” Salve added.

With Ms. Salve Ibañez

Through TALAkayan, I’ve come to appreciate how vital financial literacy is in our everyday lives. Tala Philippines’ initiative, especially with its easy-to-understand digital content, makes learning about money management more practical and accessible for Filipinos like me. It’s empowering to know that valuable financial lessons—from saving hacks to understanding credit—are now just a click away.

Executives of Tala Philippines and Salve Ibañez pictured with members of the media, bloggers and influencers who joined the TALAkayan financial education workshop. This award-winning initiative is Tala’s response to the need for enhanced financial literacy in the country.

To date more than 1,200 participants from various sectors, including microentrepreneurs, factory workers, 4Ps graduates, OFWs, jeepney drivers, and farmers, have already been engaged across 13 TALAkayan workshops. These were held in various locations in Metro Manila, Laguna, Quezon Province, Nueva Ecija, and Singapore.

“Our goal with the TALAkayan workshops and video series is to make financial education more accessible to many. Money management and other related concepts aren’t usually taught in schools but it’s fundamental in leveling the playing field and giving everyone a fair shot despite the inequalities we may face every day,” said Missy Santos, Marketing Director of Tala Philippines.

By increasing access to financial services, especially credit, and encouraging financial literacy, Tala gives the vast majority of people on the planet the same chance to improve their lives and thrive both financially and personally.

Visit tala.ph and download the official Tala app to find out more about Tala.

Start your journey into financial freedom: https://tala.ph/borrow/.

Tala is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, with an email address at [email protected].

 

July 10, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Tech

Globe Supports the Hapag Movement by Curating Intimate Art Experiences

[From L-R] Provenance Art Gallery’s Mio Dizon and Joanna Francisco, featured artist Andres Barrioquinto, Provenance Art Gallery’s Raul Francisco, Globe Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto, and Globe Chief Marketing Officer Rochelle Vandenberghe.

On June 5, 2025, Globe and Provenance Art Gallery hosted a special art exhibition and silent auction at Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall. In support of the Hapag Movement, a Globe-led project that tackles involuntary hunger in the Philippines, the event brought together leaders from the fields of art, advocacy, and society.

Celebrated Filipino artists Andres Barrioquinto, Jayson Cortez, Max Balatbat, Martin Honasan, Jason Montinola, and Raffy Napay were among those showcasing their paintings at the special event.

Gallery owner Raul Francisco touring attendees through the exhibit.

Central to the evening was the silent auction, which ran until June 7, with 50% of all sales proceeds dedicated to the Hapag Movement, a Globe initiative together with partners to fight involuntary hunger by providing sustainable feeding and livelihood training to vulnerable families. The other half directly supported the participating artists—underscoring Globe’s dual commitment to social impact and the local creative economy.

Andres Barrioquinto, a Filipino visual artist, created the auctioned artwork. Barrioquinto is renowned for his surreal and hyperrealistic portraits, which fuse elements of nature, pop culture, and Asian aesthetics.  Drawing inspiration from Japanese ukiyo-e and Baroque art, he constructs intricate, layered pieces using oil and acrylic on canvas. Barrioquinto’s contributions to art have been recognized including the CCP’s Thirteen Artists Award, and his works are featured in prominent collections throughout Asia.

“This is more than a showcase of art—it is a statement of purpose,” said Roche Vandenberghe, Globe Chief Marketing Officer. “We are deeply grateful to our customers and partners who helped transform an evening of cultural appreciation into meaningful support for communities experiencing hunger.”

Exhibit attendees enjoy the art and ambiance.

Guests enjoyed a private viewing ahead of the exhibit’s public opening, alongside a curator talk by Stephanie Frondoso, light fare by Cibo, and personalized Globe giveaways.

The public can still view the display until August 2025.

This partnership is a component of Globe’s continuous endeavors to provide its clients with meaningful, human-centered experiences while furthering its fundamental beliefs via the Hapag Movement.

Go to globe.com.ph to find out more or to donate to the cause.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 10, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

What Every Filipino Parent Should Know About Obesity: Fact vs. Myth

A fat child is frequently regarded as an indication of good parenting in many Filipino homes. “Ang cute-cute naman ng anak mo!” When a child weighs more than average, parents often receive this compliment. For many centuries, being “on the round side” meant being cute, healthy, and well-fed.

However, this ingrained cultural idea can be deceptive—and even harmful—even if the aim is frequently benign. According to experts, obesity in early childhood can cause major health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and emotional problems like low self-esteem later in life.

It’s time to change the subject. Obesity is a chronic illness that goes beyond physical size. And the first step to raising happier and healthier children for Filipino parents is realizing the reality about weight.

With its Truth About Weight campaign, Novo Nordisk Philippines is spearheading the fight against obesity as a disease by equipping Filipinos with knowledge, compassion, and evidence-based remedies.

Myth: “Obesity is just about overeating and laziness.”

Fact: Obesity is a chronic disease influenced by multiple factors—genetics, hormones, environment, even stress. Children may develop obesity even with regular meals and playtime if other underlying factors are present.

“We should strive to shift our perspective on obesity, recognizing it as a complex health issue rather than solely a lifestyle choice. It’s a disease that deserves the same understanding and treatment as any other disease,” said Dr. Cyrus Pasamba, Senior Medical Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines.

Myth: “Kids will outgrow their baby fat.”

Fact: While some children naturally slim down as they grow, others may continue gaining weight due to metabolic or genetic predispositions. Early intervention is key.

Tip for Parents: Watch for signs of weight-related health issues like sleep apnea, low self-esteem, or fatigue. Consult a pediatrician if you’re concerned.

Myth: “Shaming or scolding a child will ‘motivate’ them to lose weight.”

Fact: Negative body image and shame can lead to emotional eating, anxiety, and long-term mental health issues. Supportive, loving guidance is far more effective than criticism.

Parenting Tip: Focus on healthy habits, not numbers on the scale. Make it a family goal to eat better and move more—together.

Myth: “There’s no medical treatment for obesity—it’s all diet and exercise.”

Fact: While healthy lifestyle habits are important, medical support may also be necessary. Treatments can include personalized nutrition plans, behavioral therapy, and in some cases, medication.

“Science has given us new tools to manage obesity more effectively. With proper medical support, many patients see real, lasting results,” Dr. Pasamba added.

Why It Matters

The earlier parents understand obesity as a disease, the earlier they can take compassionate and effective action—free of stigma or blame. This means better outcomes not just for children struggling with weight, but for entire families.

With the Truth About Weight campaign, Novo Nordisk seeks to combat misinformation and the stigma surrounding obesity. Central to this initiative is the Truth About Weight website, which serves as a comprehensive resource hub. It offers scientific insights into the nature of weight and obesity, a free weight health risk assessment, educational tools, inspiring stories to promote understanding, and resources that guide individuals to seek professional help.

One of the most misdiagnosed and undertreated health issues of our day is obesity. Wei Sun, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Philippines, said, “Through the Truth About Weight campaign, we seek to empower Filipinos with accurate information and helpful resources to help them understand obesity as a disease and encourage them to access the care they need.”

This post is a component of a collaboration with Novo Nordisk Philippines to eradicate the stigma associated with obesity and increase public awareness. For an accurate diagnosis and available treatments, always seek advice from your physician or another trained healthcare provider. To learn more about tools, resources, and true accounts of Filipinos overcoming obesity with compassion and bravery, visit the Truth About Weight website (https://www.truthaboutweight.ph/).

 

 

 

 

July 10, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

LLDA and PCPPI collaborate to make Laguna de Bay more sustainable

Photo shows: Ms. Sharon Burgos, PCPPI’s Environment, Health, Safety, and Security Manager (leftmost); Atty. Senando Santiago, Acting General Manager of LLDA (center); Atty. Carina Sumilong Bayon, PCPPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer; and Engr. Fernando Ramos, PCPPI’s Head of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the joint initiative, “Abot-Kamay Para sa Laguna de Bay – Mission in Action: Solid Waste Recovery,” has been formally signed by Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). The partnership reaffirms the two organizations’ dedication to protecting and preserving the Laguna de Bay through cooperative solid waste recovery efforts and pollution control, in accordance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law. In keeping with its long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of regional water ecosystems, PCPPI has also adopted the Magdaong River through LLDA’s Adopt-a-River initiative and continues to be an active member of the Muntinlupa Watershed Management Council.

July 9, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

Last Chance to Take Advantage of Home Credit’s Back-to-School Device Offers, which start at just ₱16 per day till July 31

Shop smart and fast with Sulit-Skwela 2025’s flexible installment plans with 0% interest and zero downpayment and get must-have gadgets while offers last

It’s almost time for last-minute shopping for many Filipino families as the back-to-school season gets underway. Essential devices for learning and staying connected are now major priority, as school checklists remain unfinished.

Enjoy stress-free last-minute shopping with Home Credit

With Home Credit, take advantage of stress-free last-minute purchasing. Home Credit Philippines’ Sulit-Skwela 2025 offers simplify last-minute buying. Purchase necessary gadgets for as little as ₱16 per day or ₱469 per month with flexible 24-month installment plans that provide 0% interest and no down payment. One legitimate ID is all that is required, and approval can happen in as little as one minute.

As a bonus, every laptop purchased under the Sulit-Skwela offer comes with FREE GFiber Prepaid UNLI internet. But hurry, time’s running out! Sulit-Skwela 2025 runs until July 31, only. Don’t miss this final call to score sulit gadget deals that are easy on the pocket.

Check out the top gadgets you can get with Home Credit.

Data-Ready smartphones for as low as ₱649 per month or just ₱22 per day

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All-day laptop buddies for as low as ₱1,199 per month or just ₱40 per day

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Swak sa budget tablets for as low as ₱469 per month or just ₱16 per day

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Enjoy the Sulit-Skwela promo at over 15,000 Home Credit partner stores in more than 75 provinces nationwide. Applying for product installments is easy, with in-store Home Credit sales representatives ready to assist. For added convenience, you can also apply for pre-approval through the Home Credit App, available on Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery for a faster and smoother shopping experience.

Visit Shoppingmall.ph to view the latest Home Credit offers, compare prices, locate local partner stores, and examine device specs.

Visit Home Credit Philippines official website at www.homecredit.ph or follow its official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for additional updates.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). have granted Home Credit Philippines a license and are overseeing the financing company.

More information on HCPH is available at www.homecredit.ph.

 

 

July 8, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Tech

Globe Opens Gen4 Store at Robinsons Place Manila, Offering More Customers Better Service and Digital Experiences

Globe has reopened its recently renovated store at Robinsons Place Manila, which has been transformed into a next-generation Gen4 store, demonstrating its continued innovation in the retail space. Globe is committed to providing its clients with quicker, more effective, and more individualized services, which is why the remodeling is taking place.

The brand-new Gen4 store provides a cutting-edge, digitally-first environment that enables clients to easily access Globe’s whole range of goods and services. It offers a more engaging, self-directed experience in place of the conventional customer assistance setup.

“This new Gen4 store is more than just a retail upgrade. It’s part of our mission to serve our customers better, faster, and in more meaningful ways. Robinsons Place Manila is a key location for us, and this refreshed space ensures that we’re bringing not just connectivity, but also digital lifestyle solutions closer to where our customers are,” said Bam De Guzman, Senior Director for Territory Business at Globe.

Key features of the Gen4 store include:

  • Self-service kiosks for fast and convenient transactions like SIM purchase, bill payments, plan applications, and account inquiries.
  • 0917 lifestyle corner featuring tech accessories and apparel.
  • Interactive screens and demo units for product discovery and testing.
  • A more sustainable store design using digital signage, LED lighting, and eco-friendly design elements.

The Gen4 store is open every day during mall hours and is situated at Level 4, Pedro Gil Wing, Robinsons Place Manila.

Explore Globe’s website at https://www.globe.com.ph/.

 

 

July 7, 2025 by
Lifestyle, News

The First BALANGAY Legacy Award for Domestic Shipping Goes to 2GO

In photo (from left): Engr. Raymund Christopher Puso, Public Relations Officer, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME); Engr. Jacklyn Descartin, President, SONAME; Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head, 2GO Sea Solutions; Bianca Peralta-Velasco, Publisher and General Manager, FAS Maritime; and Mr. Ricardo Tuliao, Vice Chairman, SONAME. Photo by Wilmar Almeria of FAS Maritime.

As part of the annual 75 Years of Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding celebration, the Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, Inc. (SONAME) presented the first-ever Balangay Legacy Award for Domestic Shipping to 2GO, the top shipping and logistics solutions provider in the Philippines.

The award honors 2GO’s exceptional contributions to the modernization and advancement of inter-island sea transportation in the Philippines, recognizing the company’s critical role in influencing the maritime environment via operational excellence, innovation, and resilience.

Since 2022, 2GO has been actively modernizing its fleet to elevate the passenger and cargo experience. Today, the company operates nine ROPAX (Ro–Pax) vessels and one freighter, servicing 19 ports of call across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Notably, five of those ROPAX ships are among the country’s most modern and state-of-the-art vessels.

The Balangay Legacy Awards honor industry leaders who have helped chart the course of Philippine maritime history—from the seafaring heritage of ancient balangay boats to today’s sophisticated domestic shipping networks. The ceremony brought together leading stakeholders from the maritime and logistics sectors to celebrate this evolution.

“This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, resilience, and national development,” said Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions. “As we continue to enhance our fleet, operations, and services, we aim to provide local businesses and industries with sustainable and reliable shipping solutions—ones that prioritize safety, convenience, and efficiency for both cargo and passengers.”

2GO’s position in promoting regional development and national connectivity is further strengthened by the fact that it is still the only RORO and ROPax logistics provider with direct routes from Manila to the Visayas and Mindanao, including recently introduced services to Davao and General Santos City.

Visit www.2go.com.ph or send an email to [email protected] to find out more about 2GO’s offerings.

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

 

July 7, 2025 by
Lifestyle, Sports

Rain or shine, the running community turns out for the Vermosa Green Run 2025

Running community shows up rain or shine at Vermosa Green Run 2025

On Sunday, June 29, about 2,500 runners and 350 dogs participated in the fourth edition of the Green Run at Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite, despite some rain and lightning.

Beginning in 2022 at the 750-hectare Ayala Land site south of the metro, the multi-level run has attracted elite athletes, families, and casual runners to its different race categories, which include the 10K, 5K, and 3K intermediate distances, as well as the 21K half-marathon. In the verdant yet well-paved environs of Vermosa Estates, the popular 1K Dog Run allows pet owners to spend quality time with their furry companions.

The first Vermosa Green Run invited people to “go out, lace up, mask up and run for a greener tomorrow” in 2022, encouraging them to get active and re-discover the great outdoors after a three-year pandemic lockdown. It spearheaded the return to open air, face to face activities with the environment and sustainability-themed Run. True to its thrust, Vermosa Estates actively promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Takbo Kabitenyo athletes join the Green Run 2025

Conducted by sports and fitness event organizer Pinoy Fitness, the first Green Run advocated for a greener tomorrow and supported Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-A-Seedling Program. Green Run 2025 still supports the Haribon Foundation and has added animal welfare group Pawssion Project and Takbo Kabitenyo, a running group that develops young athletes for local and international competitions, as beneficiaries. During the registration period, participants and guests were encouraged to bring their used plastics so they can be repurposed and converted into building materials for sustainable pathways and benches.

Dogs participated in the Dog Run

Considered by running regulars as “the most scenic run”, Angel Montevirgen from Cavite and a member of Takbo Kabitenyo said the running community looks forward to this run yearly. “It’s a lifestyle that you immerse yourself in and becomes a part of you. You look forward to it and get the right motivation for it – whether that be new clothes, new gear, new shoes or seeing friends and getting fit. It’s an opportunity to enjoy not only the benefits of running, but also the group camaraderie and being part of the whole running community.”

Pinoy Fitness Inc. founder and president Jeff Lo was very pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout of runners and pet dogs despite the threat of rain. “Runners actually enjoy running in the rain. It’s cooler, mas masaya. And I’m confident about Vermosa (as a running venue) because even if it rains, the roads are well-paved, safe and walang lubak. It’s a very green, very clean, very scenic venue – quite different from other runs. It’s fun and refreshing to see a venue where runners can actually go all out and enjoy themselves while finishing their runs.”

“I think the vision of Vermosa is to be the greener place to run,” Lo surmised. “You don’t just run races here, by the way. Runners and fitness enthusiasts can come and run here anytime, day or night – for free. They can run, train or just enjoy the outdoors. The Green Run itself is like a culmination of all the running activities you do here – an event that you look forward to that lets you experience closed roads and competing with others, for fun or for competition.”

“Every step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause. The Run advocates fitness and overall wellness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event,” said Chrissy Roa, head of the Marketing and Communications group at Ayala Land Estates.

Running community shows up rain or shine at Vermosa Green Run 2025

Ayala Land’s long-term sustainability mission is reinforced by the Vermosa Green Run, which has become a standard for purpose-driven lifestyle events and uses fitness as a potent catalyst for social and environmental change.

 

 

 

 

July 7, 2025 by