Lifestyle

Jonas Dumdum of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila and World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines Executive Director Katherine Custodio on Collaborative Partnerships for Climate Resilience, at the breakout session of the 7^th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations, is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 

Developing our ability to respond, recover, and adapt to rising climate impacts is a national priority and shared obligation, since the Philippines tops the list of nations with the highest risk of disaster.

“Any program that aims to build climate resilience requires strong partnerships and working together across all sectors,” said World-Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH) Executive Director, Katherine Custodio at the breakout session of the 7^th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024).

 “There is definite opportunity for platforms or networks to come together and bring to life our national policies and our commitments, but for these to succeed, there needs to be sincere effort and openness to work across different sectors and disciplines,” said Custodio. The session on creating connections and partnerships was hosted by Jonas Marie Dumdum, Senior Consultant and Sustainability Service Lead of Nomura Research Institute (NRI) Manila Branch.

“Finding the right champions within the company – that’s very important. It helps to engage the leaders from the top,” said Custodio, who has seen the history of the shared goals between the NGO and its many corporate partners over the years.

Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SMDC, shares her insights on sustainable and climate-resilient integrated properties.

WWF-Philippines and SM Prime Holdings, Inc., (SM Prime) have partnered on successful programs such as the YOUth are the Future, the annual Earth Hour campaign with SM Supermalls, SM Hotel’s Sustainable Diner, and the Hamilo Coast Sustainable Development project that’s now in its 14^th year.

“At SM Prime, we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SM Prime and SM Development Corporation (SMDC), during the event.

As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime believes that taking the right climate action must be grounded in science and endeavor to transition to a net-zero economy. SM Prime’s partnership with WWF-PH ensures that its near and long-term science-based targets for 2030 and 2040, align with the global commitment to achieve net zero by 2050.

“WWF-PH is pleased to work with SM Prime on their decarbonization efforts through our Corporates for a Better Planet Initiative (CBPI) program.  Companies such as SM Prime are guided in identifying climate-related risks, working on a roadmap, and publicly committing to their science-based targets,” said Custodio.  

“Change does not happen overnight. This is something we have learned in our work with communities all over the country. True partners are willing to work together for a long time, and actively listen to each other,” said Custodio, when asked by Dumdum about climate partnerships and shared purpose. “When your project positively impacts people’s livelihood and wellbeing – when people’s lives improve in a durable way, that’s when you know you’ve created an impact,” she said.

As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its position as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development.

This year, the University of the Philippines Los Baűos is hosting and organizing the 7th APRU-SCL 2024, which will take place from August 6–8, 2024, at the SMX Aura Convention Center. Email: [email protected] or visit the website dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd for further information.

The 7^th Annual Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024) Conference on Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovations is hosted and organized this year by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). 

(L-R): Dr. Jennifer Marie S. Amparo, Dean, CHE, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr. Chancellor, UPLB, Dr. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive, APRU, Makati Mayor Hon. Abigail Binay, Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, SMPHI and SMDC Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy, Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr., Conference Director, ICHSPD, Assoc. Professor, UPLB, and Dr. Yekang Ko, Director, APRU-SCL, Assoc. Professor, University of Oregon.  

A city’s ability to prosper is a result of its developers’ ability to provide chances for growth, collaboration, and mobility. It combines the celebration of life to the fullest with a strong focus on the community.

“At SM Prime (SMPHI), we dream big for our shared future. True prosperity transcends financial success. Our commitment to developing sustainable integrated properties is matched by our efforts to foster vibrant, inclusive communities wherever we build legacy properties that weather the challenges of time and that last for generations,” said Ms. Jessica Bianca Sy, Lead Executive for Design, Innovation and Strategy for SMPHI and SM Development Corporation (SMDC).

Sy will be attending the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities – Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Conference and Student Symposium 2024 (APRU-SCL 2024), where she will be joining a distinguished group of local and international educators, climate professionals, and government officials.

The theme for this year’s three-day conference is Advancing Sustainable Cities and Communities through Science, Technology, and Innovation.

As one of Asia’s leading integrated property developers, SM Prime’s strong track record in sustainability and disaster resilience is central to the company’s projects. In a climate-vulnerable country like the Philippines, disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience are priorities, with a goal to scale efforts to a city level.

The rapid city growth increases energy demand, necessitating innovative and efficient renewable energy solutions. SM Prime has partnered with franchise holders to systematically manage energy use and move towards net-zero emissions.

For future large-scale master planned developments, Sy shares that SM Prime is taking a systems approach to utility infrastructure down to embedding them in the urban design guidelines at the precinct or plot level developments.

“We are developing this living framework together with our knowledge partners. Currently the ambition is to combine our efforts and actionable items under six themes of – transport, energy, water, biodiversity, built form and materials,” she said.

Sy carries this clear vision to heart as an invaluable part of the path forward. “We believe this will be the future of cities in the Philippines and we are committed to delivering it to our future generations,” she said.

As it continues to create creative and sustainable lifestyle cities, SM Prime is dedicated to its position as an engine for economic growth, improving the lives of millions of people in the process. SM Prime is working to create sustainable cities of the future by exploring the next frontier in integrated property development.

This year, the University of the Philippines Los Banos is hosting and organizing the 7th APRU-SCL 2024, which will take place from August 6–8, 2024, at the SMX Aura Convention Center. Email: [email protected] or visit the website dcerp.che.uplb.edu.ph/ichspd for further information.

From L-R: Alsons Dev Asst. VP for Business Development & Management Jolla Soriaga, President & CEO Miguel Dominguez, Director Marco Alcantara, and Asst. Gen. Manager for Sales & Marketing Jessa Mae Sisi received Alsons Dev’s awards presented by Atelier A President & CEO Carlo Cordaro (center) at the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards

Announcing with pride that it has won two main titles and two Highly Commended awards at the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, which took place on September 6, 2024, at Shangri-La The Fort Manila, Taguig City, is Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), the leading property developer in Davao.

The winner of the Best Housing Development (Metro Davao) award went to Narra Park Residences, while the Best Housing Development (Mindanao) went to Narra Park Residences Avia. Furthermore, Avia Estate won a Highly Commended award in the Best Mixed-use Development category, and Northtown Residences was recognized as the Best Subdivision Development.

These recognitions, awarded by the prestigious real estate award-giving body PropertyGuru Philippines in partnership with global brand Kohler, highlight the company’s ability to excel across a diverse range of real estate developments while maintaining high standards of excellence.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized by the esteemed PropertyGuru Philippines. These accolades are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team, consistently striving to deliver exceptional communities,” said Miguel A. Dominguez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alsons Dev.

Miguel Dominguez, President and CEO of Alsons Dev, delivers his acceptance speech, acknowledging the team’s efforts in securing these awards.
 

A look at the winning developments

With over 60 years of experience in Davao City, Alsons Dev has established itself as the city’s premier residential real estate developer. Through the recent expansion of its offerings to include mid-cost housing under its Nurtura Land & Home brand, Alsons Dev is able to serve a broader market. This move has proven successful with the twin wins of its housing projects.

Narra Park Residences, adjudged the Best Housing Development (Metro Davao) for two years in a row, offers Modern Asian-inspired homes that harmonize with expansive parks and family-friendly amenities designed to enhance the residents’ quality of life.

Narra Park Residences Avia, which won Best Housing Development (Mindanao), offers the same award-winning features to families in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. Located in Alabel, Sarangani, it is nestled within Avia Estate, a mixed-use development that integrates prime residential communities, first-class leisure amenities, wide retail and commercial offerings, reputable educational institutions, and government support facilities in one address. Being the first township in the SOX region, Avia Estate was Highly Commended in the Best Mixed-use Development category.

The company’s leadership in Mindanao’s real estate market and its commitment to creating sustainable, people-centered developments are furthered by Alsons Dev’s numerous victories. The company’s continued focus is on spearheading innovations that would raise Mindanao’s level of living as it advances.

Alsons Dev representatives pose for a photo after accepting four prestigious awards at this year’s PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, including Best Housing Development (Metro Davao) and Best Housing Development (Mindanao).
 

Continuing the commitment to excellence

Alsons Dev’s multiple wins reinforce the company’s leadership in Mindanao’s real estate sector and its vision of sustainable, people-centric developments. As the company moves forward, it remains focused on driving future innovations that will continue to uplift the standard of living in Mindanao.

To learn more about Alsons Dev and its initiatives, go to https://alsonsdev.com/.

From left to right: Yvette Dizon-Deputy General Manager, Festival Mall; Ms. Denise Lagayan, VP and Corporate Marketing Head of Filinvest; ASec. Domingo R. Tolentino, Jr., DTI SCO; ASec. Grace F. Baluyan, DTI ROG; DTI R2 Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag; DOT R2 Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano and DTI R2 ARD Henry O. Conel, Jr.

Padday na Lima is back in Manila! Cagayan Valley’s product showcase is again in the spotlight as the trade fair officially kicks off today, September 10, 2024, at Festival Mall Alabang in Muntinlupa.

This year’s trade fair comes with the theme, “Unveiling the Richness of Cagayan Valley’s Lands and Seas, A Fusion of Beauty and Bounty.” In the opening ceremony, the Department of Trade and Industry R2 Regional Director, Ma. Sofia G. Narag welcomed visitors to the fair, promising that they are going to be treated to a smorgasbord of the region’s freshest and finest products from the valley’s diverse agricultural and aquatic resources.

In a heartfelt display of support, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Sec. Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Hon. Senator Loren B. Legarda conveyed their messages of support during the opening for Padday na Lima, emphasizing the vital role of MSMEs in strengthening the region’s economy.

Padday na Lima, an Ybanag vernacular for “made by hands”, aims to promote Cagayan Valley’s rich heritage and create fruitful unions with Manila-based advocates. In this week-long event, guests and Region 2 MSMEs alike are given exciting opportunities and unforgettable experiences like never before! This year’s fair will take visitors through a guided tour of the booths of Cagayan Valley MSMEs with a B2B matching activity for prospective endeavors between producers and consumers in Cagayan Valley and Manila. There are a wide array of other exciting activities at the fair including food and wine tasting, fun games, and a creative crafts demonstration. Another highlight of the trade fair is a fashion show named Hibla’t Having Rehiyon Dos: Padday na Lima Collections featuring Cagayan Valley’s unique weaves.

Clockwise from left: Steps Dance Troupe and ISU Music Ensemble, Hainrich Unite and Kristin Vivien Cacacho (Master of Ceremony), DTI R2 Regional Director Ma. Sofia G. Narag, CESO V

With a hundred exhibiting MSMEs and farmers boasting their wide array of products and services- from farm produce to processed foods, aquatic and fishery products, native delicacies, garden plants, to fashion and wearables, furniture, handicrafts, and tourism opportunities – visitors at the opening day were introduced to the wonders that Cagayan Valley has to offer to the Philippines and to the world. Pavillions highlighting each province in the region – Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya- gave visitors a feel for not just their products but avenues for tourism and other potential investment projects as well.

Clockwise from left: ASec. Grace F. Baluyan, DTI ROG; Steps Dance Troupe and ISU Music Ensemble; ASec. Domingo R. Tolentino, Jr., DTI SCO

We invite everyone, from the average consumer to institutional buyers, to come visit and experience the richness of the valley through the 18^th Padday na Lima. The Trade Fair will run from September 10 to September 16 at the Upper Ground Floor, Carousel Court, Festival Mall Alabang in Quezon City.

But don’t you worry, the fun doesn’t stop at Alabang! You may purchase the finest products of Cagayan Valley with just a few clicks. Shoppers may treat themselves with Padday na Lima’s products through these sites:  Mayani.ph – Farm-fresh produce delivered to your doorstep and PaddayNaLima.com (through Deliver-E).

For more information, please visit their social media accounts: Facebook DTI.Region02; Instagram, X, and Tiktok dti.r2

Eastern Communications, recognized at the 2024 Asian Technology Excellence Awards in Conrad, Bangkok
[From L to R:] Chris Head, Contributing Editor for Asian Business Review with Eastern Communications Team: Brand Communications Supervisor Angelou Leonardo, Co-Coordinator Vince Tempongko, AVP & Head of NPEI Delfin Lopez, Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, and Outside Plant Director-NPEI Felipe Paez Jr.

The innovative telecoms and ICT solutions provider from the Philippines, Eastern Communications, is pleased to announce its win at the Asian Technology Excellence Awards (ATEA) 2024. With its ground-breaking Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the telco provider took home the Philippines Technology Excellence Award in the Infrastructure Technology – Telecommunications category. PDSCN is a major initiative meant to fortify the country’s telecommunications infrastructure in the event of natural disasters.

“The Philippines is prone to typhoons and in some remote areas, connectivity is not even stable on regular days. The PDSCN project is more than just an infrastructure development and our goal is to ensure that unserved and underserved areas have access to reliable and resilient internet services, even in the face of natural disasters,” said Delfin Lopez, AVP and Head of Network Planning, Engineering and Implementation at Eastern Communications.

Eastern Communications’ Co-Coordinator, Vince Tempongko, extended his congratulations to fellow innovators and award recipients during his acceptance speech.

The Asian Business Review Magazine presents this award, which honors the region’s leading technical innovators and recognizes remarkable businesses that are redefining sectors and accelerating digital change. The fact that Eastern Communications won the telecommunications category shows how important a role the company plays in resolving the communication vulnerabilities in the nation and advancing the ongoing digital evolution.

Apart from this, Eastern’s nationwide infrastructure and expansion efforts also gained global recognition and was previously awarded the Telecom Infrastructure Deployment category at the 2024 Carrier Community Global Awards in Berlin, Germany in June 2024.

Eastern Communications receives recognition at the 2024 Asian Technology Excellence Awards in Conrad, Bangkok
[From L to R:] Eastern Communications Team: Brand Communications Head Hannah Lazatin, AVP & Head of NPEI Delfin Lopez, Outside Plant Director-NPEI Felipe Paez Jr., Co-Coordinator Vince Tempongko, and Brand Communications Supervisor Angelou Leonardo.

Stronger connectivity for all

The PDSCN is the result of a strategic partnership between Eastern Communications, Globe Group, and InfiniVAN. With a PHP 4.3 billion investment, the project extended the reach of high-speed internet to underserved areas and ensured the creation of alternative routes for data transmission, minimizing the risk of service disruptions during calamities.

Through this, Eastern Communications significantly bolstered its presence in Visayas and Mindanao with 33 points of interconnection spanning multiple regions. This extensive network provides enhanced connectivity for every Filipino, laying the foundation for digital inclusion across the archipelago and ensuring that the Philippines remains competitive in the digital age.

Eastern Communications is celebrating its success at the ATEA, but it isn’t letting up on its ambition to lead the nation’s digital transformation effort. The acknowledgement not only demonstrates the PDSCN project’s success but also confirms the company’s position as a pioneer in offering dependable and robust connectivity solutions throughout the Philippines.

Get more about Eastern Communications and its projects by going to www.eastern.com.ph or by calling 5300-7000.

CDC Assistant VP for Business Enhancement, Mr. Rodem R. Perez, and Casino Plus CEO, Mr. Evan Spytma, celebrate the winner of the 303 Million Jackpot in the Color Game.

A lucky player on Casino Plus’s Color Game platform has turned a mere 50-peso bet into a staggering 303.5 million pesos jackpot. This remarkable achievement not only showcases incredible luck but also highlights the platform’s commitment to transparency and fairness in its operations.

Transparent and Fair Gaming Experience

Casino Plus is renowned for its strict operational standards and dedication to protecting user rights. Every bet and every win is processed through transparent and open procedures, ensuring all players participate in a fair gaming environment. This latest jackpot further reinforces Casino Plus as a trusted platform for its users.

Reliable Physical Presence

In addition to its online platform, Casino Plus also boasts land-based casino and an integrated resort, which are currently being upgraded to the highest standards. These ongoing enhancements aim to provide customers with more comprehensive services and high-end entertainment experiences. The continuous upgrades not only enhance the platform’s credibility but also offer additional security and assurance to its users. This blend of online and upgraded offline resources ensures that players can enjoy the fun of online gaming while experiencing superior entertainment and services at our enhanced physical facilities.

Press Conference and more

Casino Plus hosted a press conference on August 30 to detail the events surrounding this jackpot and conducted the award presentation on-site. The event was attended by distinguished representatives, media, and industry experts, making it a truly momentous occasion.